Australia stunned by Panama

Sat, 05 Jul, 2025

Australia stunned by Panama

Bunbury: Missing several of their key players, Australia fell to a 1-0 defeat to Panama in an international friendly on Saturday.

A second half strike from 19-year-old Sherline King left Australia with no answer with Joe Montemurro’s side to face the South American side again on Tuesday.

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Qualifiers - MD5: Results & Reports

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Qualifiers - MD5: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, India, the Philippines, Uzbekistan and Vietnam confirmed their spots at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Saturday.

India topped Group B with a 2-1 win against Thailand, Chinese Taipei beat Indonesia 2-1 to finish with a perfect record in Group D while Vietnam defeated Guam 4-0 to advance from Group E.
 
Uzbekistan sealed their place from Group F in dramatic fashion, allowing Nepal to come from 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw which left the teams level on points and goal difference. That meant penalties, with Uzbekistan winning the shootout 4-2.
 
The Philippines edged Hong Kong, China 1-0 to reign in Group G while DPR Korea were at their best in a 6-0 victory over Malaysia in Group H.
 
The six join Bangladesh - who confirmed the Group C top spot on Wednesday, defending champions China PR, Japan, Korea Republic and hosts Australia at the Finals. The last ticket to the Finals will be from Group A, which kicks off on Monday.
 
Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Qualifiers - Preview: MD5

Fri, 04 Jul, 2025

Qualifiers - Preview: MD5

Kuala Lumpur: An additional six spots will be filled on Matchday Five of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers on Saturday.

Bangladesh booked a historic ticket to the Finals by assuring themselves the Group C top spot with a match to spare, joining the already qualified China PR, Japan, Korea Republic and hosts Australia at next year's showpiece.

Saturday's action promises to be intense and as we gear up for a fiesta of football, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand.

Tomiyasu, Arsenal part ways

Sat, 05 Jul, 2025

Tomiyasu, Arsenal part ways

London: Japan international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has left Arsenal by mutual consent, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

The 26-year-old has had struggled due to a serious knee injury over the last two seasons with the London-based outfit and has his contract cancelled one year before it was due to expire.

Chelsea survive Palmeiras fightback to advance

Sat, 05 Jul, 2025

Chelsea survive Palmeiras fightback to advance

Philadelphia: A late own-goal by goalkeeper Weverton took Chelsea through to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-finals on Friday as the Premier League side edged Palmeiras of Brazil 2-1 in a last-eight tie that had been lit up by a moment of magic from young star Estevao Willian.

The teenage Brazil forward, who will join Chelsea after the tournament, was eager to impress his future employers and his brilliant 53rd-minute finish cancelled out Cole Palmer's opener in Philadelphia.

But a deflected Malo Gusto cross went in off Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton in the 83rd minute to give Chelsea the victory and set up a semi-final showdown with another Brazilian side in Fluminense.

Fluminense end Al Hilal's run

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Fluminense end Al Hilal's run

Orlando: Substitute Hercules struck a 70th-minute winner as Brazil's Fluminense defeated Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal SFC 2-1 on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

A fine left-foot finish from Matheus Martinelli had put the Rio club ahead in the 40th minute but Al Hilal's Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo levelled six minutes into the second half before Hercules stole the show to the delight of the vast majority of the 43,091 crowd.
 
Rio club Fluminense will meet Chelsea in the semi-final after the Premier League side edged Palmeiras 2-1 in their quarter-final.

Ki joins Pohang

Thu, 03 Jul, 2025

Ki joins Pohang

Seoul: Pohang Steelers have announced the signing of former Korea Republic international midfielder Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer on Thursday ahead of the K League 1 club’s involvement in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2025/26.

Ki was released by FC Seoul last week, ending his second stint with the capital-based club having rejoined in 2020 following spells in Scotland, England and Spain.