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AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Kuala Lumpur: The technical report for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is now available on the-AFC.com, offering a comprehensive review of a landmark edition that set new standards for women’s football across Asia.

Held across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ saw Japan defeat hosts Australia to claim a third title and left an indelible mark on the women’s game as several records were shattered, including a sold-out crowd of 74,397 fans at the Final, while a staggering overall 358,414 spectators attended the competition’s 27 matches.

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Riyadh: Georgios Donis fully comprehends the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he looks to lead Saudi Arabia to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title in more than 30 years in the 2027 edition in January.

Donis, who hails from Greece and was appointed last April ahead of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge, believes his long-standing knowledge and experience in West Asia puts him in good stead for what lies ahead.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Photos

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Kuala Lumpur: The technical report for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is now available on the-AFC.com, offering a comprehensive review of a landmark edition that set new standards for women’s football across Asia.

Held across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ saw Japan defeat hosts Australia to claim a third title and left an indelible mark on the women’s game as several records were shattered, including a sold-out crowd of 74,397 fans at the Final, while a staggering overall 358,414 spectators attended the competition’s 27 matches.

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Riyadh: Georgios Donis fully comprehends the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he looks to lead Saudi Arabia to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title in more than 30 years in the 2027 edition in January.

Donis, who hails from Greece and was appointed last April ahead of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge, believes his long-standing knowledge and experience in West Asia puts him in good stead for what lies ahead.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Videos

Group B: Late winner keeps Thailand perfect; Myanmar on song

Wed, 05 Aug, 2026

Group B: Late winner keeps Thailand perfect; Myanmar on song

Capas: Thailand maintained their perfect record in Group B of the ASEAN Championship 2026 on Tuesday as Waris Choolthong’s late header earned the former champions a 1-0 win over the Philippines that keeps Anthony Hudson’s side on top of the standings.

Hudson made eight changes to the team that won the previous outing against Malaysia and the Thais had to wait until four minutes from time to claim the three points when Waris powered Picha Autra’s cross from the left past Patrick Deyto.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Technical Report available now

Kuala Lumpur: The technical report for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is now available on the-AFC.com, offering a comprehensive review of a landmark edition that set new standards for women’s football across Asia.

Held across Perth, Gold Coast and Sydney, the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ saw Japan defeat hosts Australia to claim a third title and left an indelible mark on the women’s game as several records were shattered, including a sold-out crowd of 74,397 fans at the Final, while a staggering overall 358,414 spectators attended the competition’s 27 matches.

Group A: Vietnam sizzle against Indonesia; victory for Cambodia

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Group A: Vietnam sizzle against Indonesia; victory for Cambodia

Cibinong: Defending champions Vietnam claimed a statement 3-0 win over hosts Indonesia in the ASEAN Championship 2026 on Monday as Kim Sang-sik’s side moved to the top of the Group A standings with one round of matches remaining.

Goals from Nguyen Van Vi and Nguyen Hai Long gave the title holders a two-goal lead inside the first 15 minutes and Nguyen Xuan Son completed the win when he slotted home in the 71st minute to take Vietnam into pole position in the standings.

Vietnam move ahead of Singapore on goal-difference while Indonesia drop to third, one point adrift of the lead duo ahead of their clash with the Singaporeans on Friday. Vietnam will play Cambodia in the final group match with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Riyadh: Georgios Donis fully comprehends the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he looks to lead Saudi Arabia to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title in more than 30 years in the 2027 edition in January.

Donis, who hails from Greece and was appointed last April ahead of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge, believes his long-standing knowledge and experience in West Asia puts him in good stead for what lies ahead.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Group B: Thailand go top; Philippines find rhythm

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Group B: Thailand go top; Philippines find rhythm

Bangkok: Thailand moved into pole position in Group B of the ASEAN Championship on Saturday as Anthony Hudson’s side handed Malaysia a 2-0 defeat at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Yotsakon Burapha’s penalty gave the seven-times champions the lead in the 38th minute and Teerasak Poeiphimai doubled the advantage 11 minutes into the second half as Thailand followed up their opening win over Laos with a second victory.

Group A: Vietnam, Singapore share spoils; Indonesia power on

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

Group A: Vietnam, Singapore share spoils; Indonesia power on

Hanoi: Singapore frustrated defending champions Vietnam to draw 0-0 with Kim Sang-sik’s side in Hanoi on Friday to remain in pole position in Group A of the ASEAN Championship 2026 standings as Indonesia picked up a second victory with a 3-0 win over Timor-Leste.

The Vietnamese dominated throughout at My Dinh National Stadium but were unable to find a way past Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud as the title holders struggled to turn their superiority into clear-cut chances.

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Preview: MD3

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Preview: MD3

Kuala Lumpur: The race is set to intensify as teams in the ASEAN Championship 2026 look to strengthen their claim for semi-final spots while others will be aiming to reignite their campaign when matches resume on Friday.

Singapore and Malaysia lead Group A and Group B respectively but with plenty of matches still to be played, a lot could change in the coming days as the-AFC.com looks at what’s in store in the next round of matches.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Group B: Malaysia march on; Myanmar bounce back

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Group B: Malaysia march on; Myanmar bounce back

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia handed Laos a 4-0 defeat in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side completed consecutive victories in Group B of the ASEAN Championship 2026 while Myanmar bounced back from their opening day loss to win 4-1 against the Philippines.

Paulo Josue scored for the second game in a row after a double in the win over Myanmar on Saturday to send the Malaysians on their way to victory with Endrick also on target before an own goal by Viengxay Sidavong and a fine free-kick by substitute Wan Kuzain.

Malaysia lead the standings with six points from their opening two matches and will face second-placed Thailand, who did not play on Tuesday, on Saturday while Laos will take on the Philippines.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.