Japan remain Asia’s top side

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Japan remain Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: The latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday saw Japan unchanged as the highest ranked Asian nation in 15th spot, having become the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Staying three spots adrift in 18 were Islamic Republic of Iran, who also clinched their spot at the global showpiece following their draw with Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates

Taif: Japan will aim to kick off their title defence with victory against United Arab Emirates when the sides meet in Group B of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Friday.

Japan are the most successful team in the history of the competition with four triumphs (1994, 2006, 2018, 2023), and are the only team to have won consecutive titles.

Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan

Jeddah: Yemen and Afghanistan’s Group C clash in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Friday will see both teams looking to go one better than their finishes in previous editions.

Yemen were runners-up in 2002 and quarter-finalists in 2023. The West Asians, who topped their qualifying group with seven points, are competing for the fourth consecutive time.

Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam

Taif: Australia will look to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 for inspiration when they begin their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B campaign against Vietnam on Friday.

Their senior compatriots lifted the trophy in Shenzhen just under two months ago and for head coach Brad Maloney, that will also be their motivation at Saudi Arabia 2025.

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Jeddah: Korea Republic and Indonesia will kick off Group C of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Friday, with the former looking to burnish their credentials and the latter aiming to claim their first title.

Korea Republic, champions in 1986 and 2002, finished runners-up to Japan at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023. The East Asians are making their 16th appearance after topping their qualifying group unbeaten. 

Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Ajanovic’s parents propelling his Australian journey

Taif: If there was a destined position for Jai Ajanovic in football, it had to be a goalkeeper with the teenage Australian custodian set to make his mark at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025.

Inspired by his parents, Ajanovic has never entertained thoughts of playing in another position although there was some form of change to how he plays the game since joining Central Coast Mariners in September last year.

Al Fawaz inspired by idol Noor as he aims for Continental glory

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Al Fawaz inspired by idol Noor as he aims for Continental glory

Taif: Growing up, Abdulaziz Al Fawaz admired legendary Saudi Arabia midfielder Mohammed Noor.

Now, as captain of Saudi Arabia, Al Fawaz carries that same ambition, leading his country into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 with his sights set on continental glory and a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Wen bent on achieving big with China PR

Wed, 02 Apr, 2025

Wen bent on achieving big with China PR

Taif: Wen Zhanlin has big ambitions as he prepares to launch his career with China PR at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia.

Wen, who is hoping to feature when China PR open their Group B campaign against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, draws plenty of inspiration from his idol Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Thailand’s Danuphon driven to excel

Thu, 03 Apr, 2025

Thailand’s Danuphon driven to excel

Taif: Familial roots is the bedrock in which Thailand captain Danuphon Buppha intends to build his footballing career on.

Leading his team into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025, Danuphon is well aware of his responsibility not only to the team but also to his family.