News

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Kuala Lumpur: Following the proposal put forward by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the 35th AFC Congress to explore the possibility of presenting the host selections for both the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ for approval at a single Congress, the AFC has concluded the process of receiving bids from interested Member Associations (MAs) for the AFC Asian Cup 2035™.

The bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031™ was completed last year and attracted strong interest from across the Continent. Subsequently, and in line with the AFC President's forward-looking approach, invitations to bid for the 2035 edition were circulated to MAs on August 27, 2025, with the submission window closing on December 31, 2025.

Korea Republic’s Kim on a special mission

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Korea Republic’s Kim on a special mission

Jakarta: Kim Gun-woo and the Korea Republic squad are on a double mission at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™.

A successful tournament is the obvious aim but Kim said they also want to capture the attention and interest of the people of Korea Republic with their matches and performances.

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ brand built to inspire

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ today revealed the new brand identity for the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, with less than a year to kick-off.

Designed to feel confident, contemporary and full of energy, and shaped by a vision to inspire the next generation of footballers and fans across the Continent, the bold and contemporary visual identity reflects the unique spirit and culture of the hosts, while also celebrating the unifying power of Asian football.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/asiancup2027-a-spark-over-asia

Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced Visa, a global leader in digital payments, as the Official Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, two of Asia’s premier men’s football competitions.

This partnership builds on Visa’s long-standing commitment to global sports and its focus on delivering secure, seamless, and innovative payment solutions. As a host nation, Saudi Arabia will welcome fans, teams, and partners from across the Continent, with Visa enabling enhanced fan engagement, greater accessibility, and more connected matchday experiences on and off the pitch.

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Herdman vows to lead Indonesia to greater heights

Jakarta: New Indonesia head coach John Herdman has said he will look to harness the enthusiasm of the nation’s passionate support to lead the country into uncharted territory, including at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, after replacing Patrick Kluivert at the helm.

The Englishman, who led Canada to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, was unveiled last week and has already been impressed by the welcome he has received in the Southeast Asian nation.

Qualifiers - Final Round: How the Groups stand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: How the Groups stand

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round had it all as the games lit up the continent.

A thrilling round of action saw Singapore make history, heartbreak and battles to the end set up, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the groups stand with just one matchday remaining.

Kim hails Vietnam’s winning mentality

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

Kim hails Vietnam’s winning mentality

Vientiane: Kim Sang-sik was impressed with the performance of Vietnam after they came through a stern Laos test to win their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie 2-0 on Wednesday.

Laos proved to be stubborn opponents and limited Vietnam’s attacking threats before Nguyen Xuan Son’s 68th minute penalty broke the deadlock, with Pham Tuan Hai putting the seal on the win late on.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/photo/group-f-nepal-v-malaysia-1

Qualifiers - Group F: Laos 0-2 Vietnam

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Qualifiers - Group F: Laos 0-2 Vietnam

Vientiane: Vietnam kept the pressure on Malaysia after digging deep to beat Laos 2-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group F tie at Lao National Stadium KM16 on Wednesday.

Nguyen Xuan Son, returning to action for Vietnam for the first time since January, and Pham Tuan Hai scored in the second half to take their team back to three points behind Malaysia with the sides to meet in March to decide the group winners..

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Hong Kong: Gavin Lee was proud with his players ability to respond after Singapore secured a return to the AFC Asian Cup™ by defeating Hong Kong, China 2-1 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.

The victory meant the Southeast Asian side booked their spot in the Finals on merit for the first time, with their only previous appearance as hosts of the 1984 edition, and Lee said it was achieved as his players continued to believe despite going a goal down.

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.