India see off Bangladesh to lift sixth title

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

India see off Bangladesh to lift sixth title

Mergoa: India turned on the power to defeat defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final on Saturday.

Ritu Porna Chakma cancelled out Pyari Xaxa’s first-half opener before India regained control in the second half with goals from Sanfida Nongrum and Lynda Kom to seal the win.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177203

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177205

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Ma Ning – AFC Referee

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Ma Ning – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Focus: Group G

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group G

Paris: Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Belgium stalwarts Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois head into Group G at the FIFA World Cup 2026 knowing this summer's tournament will likely be their last chance for glory on football's biggest stage.

Their respective countries have been drawn together into the same pool, alongside New Zealand and Islamic Republic of Iran.

Focus: Group H

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group H

London: Spain's FIFA World Cup preparations have been beset by fitness concerns, including to star winger Lamine Yamal, as Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa faces a challenge to his authority before aiming to shock the European champions in Group H.

Barcelona's Yamal could reportedly miss Spain's opening two games against tournament debutants Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia due to the hamstring injury he suffered in April.

The 18-year-old is not the only injury worry for Luis de la Fuente with several of the key members of his Euro 2024-winning squad experiencing disrupted seasons.

Saudi Arabia power past Puerto Rico

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Saudi Arabia power past Puerto Rico

Austin: Saudi Arabia cruised to a 3-0 win against Puerto Rico in a weather-disrupted international friendly on Friday.

Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the win was head coach Georgios Donis' first following a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador last week.

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

AFC Elite Youth Scheme renews Japan FA’s three-star membership

Tokyo: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed the Japan Football Association (JFA)’s three-star membership under the acclaimed AFC Elite Youth Scheme, recognising the nation’s continuous enhancement of its youth development landscape.

Alongside the JFA, a three-star renewal was also recommended for the JFA Academy Fukushima, while FC Imabari Academy became the first professional J.League club academy to achieve a three-star endorsement.