Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia midfielder Naif Masoud has joined Al Ahli Saudi FC on a four-year contract while Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma has completed a move to English Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old Masoud arrives from Al Fateh and becomes Al Ahli’s fifth addition of the transfer window, following Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Francisco Trincao, Eduard Spertsyan and Mishal Al Mutairi.

Indonesia power past Laos to retain title

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Indonesia power past Laos to retain title

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia were in irresistible form as they defended their AFF Women’s Cup title with a resounding 5-0 victory against Laos in the final on Wednesday.

Having won the inaugural edition in 2024, Satoru Mochizuki’s side were simply unstoppable in the final after going ahead through Sydney Hopper’s 33rd minute opener.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

New settings for Furuhashi, Mohammadi, McNamara

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

New settings for Furuhashi, Mohammadi, McNamara

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international forward Kyogo Furuhashi has joined Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, the club announced on Wednesday.

Islamic Republic of Iran defender Milad Mohammadi will play his club football at Belarus club FC ML Vitebsk with Australian international Holly McNamara joining English side Everton in the Women’s Super League.

Hwang, Araki, Ilhan and Itamura seal moves

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Hwang, Araki, Ilhan and Itamura seal moves

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic midfielder Hwang In-beom has joined Portuguese champions FC Porto, headlining a series of moves involving Japan duo Mao Itamura and Ryotaro Araki, as well as Singapore international Ilhan Fandi.

Hwang completed his Porto switch from Feyenoord on a three-year contract, with an option for a further season.

Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: Japan moved up one spot to 17th in the FIFA World Rankings after their performance at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 that saw the Blue Samurai reaching the Round of 16.

The East Asian side claimed a win against Tunisia with stalemates against the Netherlands and Sweden before suffering a last-gasp defeat to five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32.