Japan surge into top five

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Japan surge into top five

Kuala Lumpur: Riding on the success of winning the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, Japan rose three spots to fifth in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings published on Thursday.

The Nadeshiko also secured one win in their three-match friendly series against current World No 2 United States in April.

Jaissle hails Al Ahli Saudi's second-half wonder show

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Jaissle hails Al Ahli Saudi's second-half wonder show

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC head coach Matthias Jaissle credited his team’s second half performance against Vissel Kobe on Monday for leading the defending champions into the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026 decider on Saturday.

The Saudi Pro League side trailed at halftime to a 31st minute Yoshinori Muto goal but a thunderous strike by Galeno levelled the scores in the 62nd minute and Ivan Toney won the tie for the Jeddah-based club with a perfect finish eight minutes later.

Vissel Kobe were outfought, admits Skibbe

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Vissel Kobe were outfought, admits Skibbe

Jeddah: Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe admitted his side were outgunned by Al Ahli Saudi FC in their AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ clash on Monday as the Saudi Pro League notched up a 2-1 win to qualify for Saturday’s final.

A determined second half showing from Matthias Jaissle’s side saw defending champions Al Ahli battle back from going a goal behind in the 31st minute by Yoshinori Muto, with Galeno and Ivan Toney scoring in the 62nd and 70th minutes respectively to take their team through.

Preview - S-final: Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Al Ahli SC (QAT)

Thu, 23 Apr, 2026

Preview - S-final: Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Al Ahli SC (QAT)

Dubai: A classic is on the cards when Al Nassr Club and Al Ahli SC square off in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ West Zone semi-final on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr advanced to the last four stage with an impressive 4-0 win against Al Wasl of the UAE while Qatar's Al Ahli saw off the challenge of Al Hussein of Jordan with a 3-1 victory.

Preview - S-final: FC Muras United (KGZ) v Kuwait SC (KUW)

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

Preview - S-final: FC Muras United (KGZ) v Kuwait SC (KUW)

Bishkek: FC Muras United will not be lacking confidence when they face Kuwait SC in the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ West Zone semi-final on Wednesday.

Kyrgyz Republic's Muras United cruised 3-0 past Lebanon's Al Ansar FC in the quarter-finals while Kuwait SC overcame a late fightback to defeat Oman's Al Shabab Club 5-3.

Europe Wrap: Kim sets new Bundesliga milestones

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Europe Wrap: Kim sets new Bundesliga milestones

Kuala Lumpur: Kim min-jae became the second Korea Republic international after Jeong Woo-yeong to win the Bundesliga title following Bayern Munich’s 35th league triumph. The defender is also the only Korea Republic player to clinch back-to-back titles in Germany.  

Other continental stars also made the headlines, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.