Group A: Perfect Saudi Arabia; Oman pip Iraq

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Group A: Perfect Saudi Arabia; Oman pip Iraq

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia maintained their perfect run at the Gulf Cup 2026 by beating Iraq 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals as Group A winners on Tuesday.

Oman secured the other berth from the group after they defeated Kuwait 3-1, pipping Iraq to second spot by the luck of the draw after both teams finished on equal points, goal difference and goals scored.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3194678

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3194682

Australia, Iran stumble

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Australia, Iran stumble

Kuala Lumpur: Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats in international friendly matches played on Tuesday.

Australia gave Brazil a good fight before losing 4-2 while Iran were second best in a 2-0 loss to Russia.

Div 1: Thailand surge to Group B summit

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

Div 1: Thailand surge to Group B summit

Bandung: Thailand made it two wins out of two after dispatching Vietnam 2-0 in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Group B tie on Tuesday. 

The win saw the War Elephants snap Vietnam’s 27-match unbeaten run and secure passage to the final with a game to spare.

In the group’s other fixture, Pakistan overturned a two-goal half-time deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with the Philippines, a result that ended both nation’s title hopes.

AG (W): Japan, DPR Korea set up final showdown

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

AG (W): Japan, DPR Korea set up final showdown

Kuala Lumpur: Japan and DPR Korea advanced to the Asian Games 2026 women’s football final after securing impressive victories in their respective semi-final ties on Tuesday.

DPR Korea overcame China PR 2-0, while a second-half brace from Kamiya Chiina steered Japan to a 2-0 victory over Korea Republic

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.