Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Fri, 21 Aug, 2026

Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Takatora Einaga secured a move to Europe after completing a permanent transfer to Belgian side K. Beerschot V.A.

Einaga has signed a two-year contract at the Kiel, with an option for an additional season.

Elsewhere, Al Hilal SFC defender Joao Cancelo returned to Barcelona and Ryo Nakamura joined Thespa Gunma on loan.

#ChallengeLeague: Road to glory paved

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

#ChallengeLeague: Road to glory paved

Kuala Lumpur: The journey to discover the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) 2026/27™ champions began in earnest following the completion of the Group Stage Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The teams were divided in groups of four - three in the West Zone and two in the East.

League Stage Draw: 5 Takeaways

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

League Stage Draw: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ League Stage Draw produced an outstanding set of fixtures, leaving fans waiting in anticipation.

As we eagerly await the action kicking off on September 14, the-AFC.com highlights several takeaways from the Draw which was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Kuala Lumpur: Aston Villa announced on Wednesday they have signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki while Al Qadsiah Club have strengthened with the capture of Dutch international Tijani Reijnders.

Suzuki joins the reigning Europa League champions on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of around 35 million euros ($40 million) from Serie A outfit Parma.

Born in the United States, Suzuki made his debut for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds aged 18. Following a short stint in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, he spent the past two seasons with Italian side Parma.

Vietnam ease into final

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Vietnam ease into final

Hanoi: Title holders Vietnam will take on Thailand in the final of the ASEAN Championship 2026 after Kim Sang-sik’s side registered a 2-0 win over Malaysia in Hanoi on Wednesday to complete a 4-0 aggregate semi-final win.

Substitute Nguyen Xuan Son scored in the 62nd and 89th minutes as Vietnam finally found a way past goalkeeper Azri Ghani, who gave the Malaysians hope of an unlikely comeback with a performance that frustrated the home side throughout the clash at My Dinh Stadium.
 
Vietnam will travel to Bangkok to face the Thais in the opening leg on Saturday with the return to be played in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Indonesia lead eFootball Console cast into Knockout Stage

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

Indonesia lead eFootball Console cast into Knockout Stage

Kuala Lumpur: The eFootball Console Group Stage of the FIFAe Continental Championship 2026 by AFC concluded on Thursday, confirming the line-up for Friday's Knockout Stage action.

Indonesia, Jordan and Lebanon took the top three spots, while Malaysia, Thailand and Japan completed the six-team cast, as the quest for a place in the Knockout Stage came to an end for Laos and Syria.