Bangladesh impress in opener; Bhutan back on track

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Bangladesh impress in opener; Bhutan back on track

Goa: Defending champions Bangladesh confirmed their 2026 SAFF Women's Championship semi-final spot with a 4-2 win against Maldives on Thursday.

The victory meant India also advanced, with their meeting against Bangladesh on Sunday to decide the Group B winners.

Bhutan, meanwhile, revived their hopes of progression from Group A with a 4-0 defeat of Sri Lanka.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176027

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Know your team: Japan

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

With the exception of the three hosts – Canada, Mexico and the USA – Japan were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals, winning their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 group at a canter.

Asian Moments: 1994

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1994

Kuala Lumpur: As we move ever closer towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the football world converging on Canada, Mexico and the United States for the global showpiece, the-AFC.com continues its series where we look back at the displays of Asian teams in the tournament over the years.

Having reviewed the 1990 competition last time round, we turn our focus to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States which was the last one with just two representatives from Asia and where the displays by both Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic only justified the inclusion of more Asian nations in the later editions.

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Sydney: Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia head coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever FIFA World Cup.

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the Round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Thu, 28 May, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers are set to be a scintillating affair following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

To be staged between August 25 and September 6, 2026 in a centralised league system, these Qualifiers will feature the implementation of a new format as part of key reforms to the AFC’s youth competitions that were ratified earlier this year.

Designed to ensure more meaningful matches and opportunities for teams to compete against opponents of similar technical competency, a two-phase system featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism has been introduced.

Australia maintain top spot in latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Australia maintain top spot in latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: Australia held on to pole position in the latest AFC Women’s Club Competition 2025/26 Ranking, which was confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Thursday.

The leaders, with 97.418 points, are followed by Japan in second place while Korea Republic finished third.