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.

Phair seals Feyenoord deal; Kim returns to Jeonnam

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

Phair seals Feyenoord deal; Kim returns to Jeonnam

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic International Casey Phair has taken the next step in her career by joining Dutch side Feyenoord, the club announced on Wednesday.

Also on the move is defender Kim Joo-heon, who has returned to Jeonnam Dragons following his loan spell with Geoje Citizen.

Europe Wrap: Memorable week for Ueda, Ishiwatari

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Europe Wrap: Memorable week for Ueda, Ishiwatari

Kuala Lumpur: Japan mainstay Ayase Ueda and U23 midfielder Nelson Ishiwatari found the back of the net for Feyenoord and Sint-Truiden respectively as both internationals made an impact in their second outings of the season.

Other continental regulars and newcomers also left their mark, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

League Stage Draw: What they said

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

League Stage Draw: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ is primed for take off following Tuesday’s League Stage Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fans can expect highly exciting battles, with the continent’s premier men’s club football tournament expanded to 32 teams.

The-AFC.com caught up with several team representatives to hear what they had to say about the Draw. 

Thailand survive Singapore fightback to advance

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Thailand survive Singapore fightback to advance

Bangkok: Thailand advanced to the final of the ASEAN Championship 2026 despite slipping to a 2-1 loss against Singapore in Bangkok on Tuesday as Anthony Hudson’s side completed a 4-3 aggregate win to progress to the two-legged decider.

Kakana Khamyok’s 61st minute penalty proved decisive, the spot-kick levelling the scores after Harhys Stewart had given Singapore a 45th minute lead only for Pansa Hemviboon’s own goal to restore the visitors’ one-goal advantage.

Gavin Lee’s side were unable to find their way through the Thai defence for a third time, however, and Thailand will face either Vietnam or Malaysia in the home-and-away final in their quest for a record-extending eighth title.

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw finalised

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

#ACLTwo - Group Stage Draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The 32-strong cast for the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ discovered their opponents following the Group Stage Draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

The 22nd edition of Asia’s second-tier men’s competition will kick off its thrilling group battles - to be played in a home-and-away round-robin format - on September 15.

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.