Season Review: Asian stars shine in Europe

Mon, 09 Jun, 2025

Season Review: Asian stars shine in Europe

Kuala Lumpur: A host of Asian players ended their 2024/25 season on a high with starring roles in their respective teams’ capture of major silverware.

The-AFC.com takes a look back at their achievements across key European leagues. 

Know your team: Ulsan HD (KOR)

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Know your team: Ulsan HD (KOR)

Kuala Lumpur: Ulsan HD will take the step-by-step approach in the FIFA Club World Cup with the Korea Republic side having been set an initial Round of 16 target.

Set to make their third appearance in the global tourney, Ulsan finished sixth in the 2020 edition.

Know your team: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Know your team: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Al Hilal SFC, by their high standards, will head into the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 on the back of a difficult season.

The perennial trophy winners ended the 2024/25 season empty handed and will - despite the tough challenge awaiting them - be determined to shine in the expanded tournament.

Popovic proud of Australia’s character; Renard regrets missed chances

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Popovic proud of Australia’s character; Renard regrets missed chances

Jeddah: Tony Popovich was both proud and optimistic after guiding Australia to the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Connor Metcalfe cancelled out Abdulrahman Al Obud’s opener before Mitch Duke’s early second half half strike, coupled with Maty Ryan saving a late Salem Al Dawsari penalty, sealed Australia second spot in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

Hong hails youngsters as Korea Republic sign off in style

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Hong hails youngsters as Korea Republic sign off in style

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo praised his young charges after they capped their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Kuwait at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.

With top spot already secured, Korea Republic played with fluidity and swept aside Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side thanks to goals from Jeon Jin-woo, Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Lee Jae-sung to finish unbeaten on 22 points.

Japan’s depth thrills Moriyasu; Indonesia’s Kluivert promises improvement

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Japan’s depth thrills Moriyasu; Indonesia’s Kluivert promises improvement

Suita: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu was delighted to see emerging talents stake a claim for places in the Japan squad after impressive performances in their 6-0 win against Indonesia in their final AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie on Tuesday.

Junnosuke Suzuki, Shunsuke Mito, Kodai Sano and Sato were all given their international bows by Moriyasu as the 56-year-old tactician rang in the changes following Thursday’s 1-0 reverse to Australia.

Jaber applauds Oman’s determination

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Jaber applauds Oman’s determination

Amman: Head coach Rashid Jaber praised his players for their unwavering belief after Oman scored in stoppage time to hold Palestine to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday.

The point secured Oman a spot in the playoffs, keeping their dreams of an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup alive.

Cklamovski: Malaysia’s discipline secured victory against Vietnam

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Cklamovski: Malaysia’s discipline secured victory against Vietnam

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Peter Cklamovski hailed Malaysia’s collective performance after his side produced a scintillating second-half display to defeat Vietnam 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F clash on Tuesday.

In front of a partisan home crowd, Malaysia struck four times after the interval through Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, La’Vere Corbin-Ong and Dion Cools to register a memorable victory and climb to the top of the group with six points.