Europe Wrap: Tanaka, Ueda light up English, Dutch leagues

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

Europe Wrap: Tanaka, Ueda light up English, Dutch leagues

Kuala Lumpur: Japan internationals Ao Tanaka and Ayase Ueda were in fine form in the English Premier League and Eredivisie respectively the past week, with the former creating history with Leeds United and the latter consolidating his spot at the top of the goal scorers’ charts by finding the back of the net four times for Feyenoord.  

There were also matchwinners and goals from other well-known Continental names, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Preview: Buriram United (THA) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Preview: Buriram United (THA) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Buriram: Victory will be the only target for Buriram United and Gangwon FC when they square off in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/25™ on Tuesday.

Thailand's Buriram are eighth with seven points with Korea Republic's Gangwon one adrift.

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Iskandar Puteri: Johor Darul Ta'zim will be determined to extend their recent dominance against China PR sides when they host Shanghai Port FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/25™ on Tuesday.

The Malaysian side - on seven points - sit seventh in the standings while Shanghai Port are in dire straits after managing just a single draw from five matches.

Preview: Vissel Kobe (JPN) v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Preview: Vissel Kobe (JPN) v Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN)

Vissel: Vissel Kobe could become the first East Zone team to confirm their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/25™ Round of 16 spot with victory over Chengdu Rongcheng FC on Tuesday.

The Japanese side - who finished fifth in the J1 League after having won the previous two titles - will head into the tie with a three-point advantage at the top of the standings and will advance with victory and if results elsewhere go their way.

Preview: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) v Ulsan HD (KOR)

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Preview: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) v Ulsan HD (KOR)

Machida: FC Machida Zelvia and Ulsan HD will be equally desperate for three points when they face off in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/25™ on Tuesday.

Tied on eight points, Japan's Machida sit third in the East Zone standings while Korea Republic's Ulsan HD are sixth.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Mon, 08 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your dream goalkeeper

Sydney: Twelve teams will head to Australia next year seeking ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

To warm up, the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Dream XI lets football fans pick 11 of their favourite players from a pool of all-time greats and rising stars. 

We begin where titles so often tilt: the goalkeeper's spot.

You're choosing the last line of defence for your Dream XI—presence, poise and big-match nerve required. From an era-defining icon to a modern-day hero, here are the five nominees.