Japan stay top in Asia, Korea Republic, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei climb

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Japan stay top in Asia, Korea Republic, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei climb

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remain Asia’s highest-ranked side in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings released on Tuesday.

Korea Republic and Chinese Taipei climbed two spots to 17th and 38th respectively, while Indonesia were Asia’s biggest movers.

#ACLElite - Vote for your Favourite Goal of Matchday Two, Presented by VISA

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

#ACLElite - Vote for your Favourite Goal of Matchday Two, Presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ delivered another feast of goals, from mesmerising solo efforts to super-subs who came off the bench to steal the show with match-winning strikes.

Now, it’s your turn to pick the finish that deserves to be crowned the Visa Top Goal of Matchday Two!

Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo (JPN)

Sun, 18 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Takefusa Kubo (JPN)

Kuala Lumpur: Takefusa Kubo has been hailed as the future of Japanese football since turning up at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy as a 10-year-old, his every move and development watched by an expectant fan base hoping to embrace the country’s next superstar.

Now 25, the career of the Kawasaki-born playmaker has not panned out quite how some expected but the Real Sociedad man has still managed to establish himself as a key player in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad.

Europe Wrap: Eventful week for Japan’s best

Tue, 20 Oct, 2026

Europe Wrap: Eventful week for Japan’s best

Kuala Lumpur: Japan striker Daizen Maeda netted his first goal in the English Premier League as the 28-year-old made his seventh start for Ipswich Town while international teammate Takefusa Kubo claimed his first La Liga strike of the season when he opened for Real Sociedad.

Samurai Blue midfielder Daichi Kamada secured his first Europa League goal for Crystal Palace in the same match that saw Lyon’s Japan striker Keito Nakamura assist twice, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Player to watch: Nasser Al Gahwashi (YEM)

Sun, 18 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Nasser Al Gahwashi (YEM)

Kuala Lumpur: Nasser Al Gahwashi has already delivered one of the defining moments in Yemen's journey to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the influential midfielder will be looking to inspire the West Asian side to greater heights when they return to the continental stage.

A creative spark in midfield with an eye for goal, Al Gahwashi has established himself as one of Yemen's most important players, combining his technical ability with a knack for producing decisive contributions.

West Asia Wrap: Al Qadsiah go top; Al Sadd lose ground

Mon, 19 Oct, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Qadsiah go top; Al Sadd lose ground

Doha: Al Qadsiah took advantage of Al Hilal SFC not being in action to seize the Saudi Pro League lead while Al Sadd SC suffered late heartbreak against Al Duhail SC.

Al Jazira fought back for a share of the points to lead the UAE Pro League while there were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Syria so join the-AFC.com in our weekly review of the domestic scene across West Asia.