Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Kuala Lumpur: Talismanic striker Mehdi Taremi will look to end more than 50 years of AFC Asian Cup™ near-misses and disappointment for the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saudi Arabia 2027™ when the widely-travelled forward seeks to lead his nation to their first title since 1976.

The 34-year-old is already considered one of his nation’s finest-ever players, forging a successful career at the highest level in European club football as well as scoring at the FIFA World Cup.

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Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Kuala Lumpur: Musa Al Taamari played a starring role in Jordan’s historic run at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the dynamic forward will once again be expected to lead their challenge at Saudi Arabia 2027.

Blessed with pace, close control and the ability to take on defenders, Al Taamari has developed into one of Asia’s most recognisable attacking players and is a key figure for both club and country.

Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohamed Marhoon has long been one of Bahrain’s most influential attacking players and the versatile midfielder will again have a major role to play when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or out wide, Marhoon combines creativity with an eye for goal and is an important figure for both club and country.

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will be excited to get their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign underway with Han Kwang Song in the mood to be the brightest spark.

One of a small number of players from the nation to have played their club football overseas, the forward sparkled during his stint in Italy.

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Kuala Lumpur: If Uzbekistan are to excel at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, there will be no doubt that Eldor Shomurodov will play a pivotal role in making that happen.

Closing in on a century of caps for the Central Asian side, the forward has already inspired the team to new heights and it will come as no surprise should Uzbekistan make it deep in the upcoming edition.

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Kuala Lumpur: Oday Dabbagh was at the heart of Palestine’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ historic run and the prolific forward will once again carry much of the attacking responsibility when they head to Saudi Arabia 2027.

Dabbagh has long been one of Palestine's potent attacking threats, with his composure in front of goal and ability to find space making him a key figure for the West Asian side.