Dates, venues for first match-ups confirmed

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Dates, venues for first match-ups confirmed

Zurich: FIFA has confirmed the dates and venues for the first two matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, the global club competition which allows the champions of all six confederations to compete on the world stage on an annual basis.

In 2025, as was the case in 2024, the tournament operates under an updated format – in which clubs playing in the opening phase will compete for the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on home soil; giving those teams the chance to play in a FIFA competition in front of local fans.

#ACLElite set for League Stage battles

Wed, 03 Sep, 2025

#ACLElite set for League Stage battles

Kuala Lumpur: The Continent’s finest sides will convene to kick off the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) 2025/26 on September 15 as the quest for glory begins for the new season.

Al Ahli Saudi FC will be out to retain the trophy that they won for the first time just over four months ago, and are one of five former winners in the 24-strong cast. A total of 11 teams return from the 2024/25 campaign for the 23rd edition of Asia’s top-tier men’s club tournament under the ACL banner, which also features three Continental debutants: Korea Republic’s Gangwon FC, Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia, and China PR’s Chengdu Rongcheng FC.

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Iraq’s Mohammed relieved after securing Finals berth

Phnom Penh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed expressed joy at meeting his side’s objective despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Cambodia in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group G tie on Tuesday.

The draw sealed 2013 champions Iraq the Group G top spot and a place in the Official Draw on October 2. 

Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Broli: UAE showed fighting spirit against IR Iran

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Marcelo Broli praised his players’ resilience despite a 3-2 defeat to Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday, a result that still secured the West Asian side’s place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026.

Iran’s first-half blitz in Abu Dhabi ensured they topped Group I to return to the Finals after missing the 2024 edition, while UAE advanced as one of the four best runners-up.

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Vidmar, Vicente pleased to have met target

Xi’an: Tony Vidmar and Antonio Vicente expressed satisfaction after guiding Australia and China PR respectively to the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 following a goalless draw on Tuesday.

The stalemate saw Australia qualify as the Group D winners while China PR secured their place by finishing as one of the four best runners-up across the 11 qualifying groups.

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Wed, 10 Sep, 2025

Edmar dedicates qualification to Kyrgyz fans

Bishkek: Head coach Edmar de Lacerda was over the moon after guiding Kyrgyz Republic to a historic berth at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic defeated Sri Lanka 6-0 to top Group E on seven points, finishing ahead of Central Asian rivals Uzbekistan on superior goal difference to secure their first Finals appearance after seven attempts.