News

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.

Moroccan Zaki named Jordan head coach

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Moroccan Zaki named Jordan head coach

Kuala Lumpur: Moroccan Badou Zaki has taken charge of the Jordan national team, with the former goalkeeper signing a one-year contract.

Zaki, 67, replaces compatriot Jamal Sellami, who guided Jordan in their recent FIFA World Cup debut campaign.

Volunteer registration opens for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Volunteer registration opens for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Riyadh: The opportunity to experience the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ as a volunteer has arrived today with the start of the registration process.

With six months to go before the grandest-ever edition of the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has opened sign-ups for the tournament’s volunteer programme, which is open to all.

Delighted Al Gahwashi promises more from Yemen

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Delighted Al Gahwashi promises more from Yemen

Doha: Nasser Al Gahwashi said Yemen must continue to raise the bar after his brace secured a 2-0 victory over Lebanon on Thursday and booked the nation's place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The Zakho SC midfielder broke the deadlock with a curling effort after the hour mark, before adding the finishing touch in the 90th minute to send Noureddine Ould Ali’s side to the top of the Qualifiers Final Round Group B standings and book the final spot to the Finals.

AFC President applauds Yemen on securing final spot for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

AFC President applauds Yemen on securing final spot for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Yemen on becoming the 24th and final team to book their place at the prestigious AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Yemen delivered a stunning 2-0 triumph at Doha's Grand Hamad Stadium on Thursday to finish as Group B leaders. The triumph marks a spectacular return to the Continent’s biggest stage for the first time since 2019, placing the West Asians into a competitive Group E that features Korea Republic, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Yemen complete Saudi Arabia 2027 cast

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Yemen complete Saudi Arabia 2027 cast

Doha: Nasser Al Gahwashi struck both goals as Yemen completed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ cast after defeating Lebanon 2-0 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group B match on Thursday.

Yemen, who topped the group with 14 points and will be making a return to the continental stage after missing out on the 2023 edition, will square off against Korea Republic, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam in Group E of the Finals.

Preview - Qualifiers Group B: Lebanon v Yemen

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Preview - Qualifiers Group B: Lebanon v Yemen

Doha: Lebanon and Yemen will not hold back when they square off in their concluding AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group B tie on Thursday.

At stake is the sole remaining spot at next year’s continental showpiece, with Madjid Bougherra’s Lebanon side on 13 points, two ahead of Yemen, and in pole position to make a third consecutive Finals appearance.

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Mon, 11 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Riyadh: Fans can expect a scintillating AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following Saturday's Final Draw in Riyadh.

While the usual teams will start as the pre-tournament favourites, the continental showpiece has a tendency of producing surprises and the-AFC.com takes a look at what can be expected from the groups.

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Sun, 10 May, 2026

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Riyadh: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ is officially opening its doors to fans this week, beginning with an exclusive opportunity for Visa cardholders to lead the charge from today, May 10, 2026. As the tournament's Official Global Supporter, Visa is offering its cardholders a 48-hour priority window to secure tickets before the general public.

This launch follows the excitement of the Final Draw in Riyadh, which mapped out the journey for Asia’s top teams across the host cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The exclusive pre-sale period begins at 20:27 Arabian Standard Time (AST) on May 10, providing Visa users with the first choice of seats across all 51 matches, including the highly anticipated opening fixture between Saudi Arabia and Palestine on January 7 and the eagerly anticipated Final on February 5.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/highlights-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™-final-draw

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 - Draw Result & Match Schedule

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Sun, 10 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Riyadh: The stage is set for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Saturday’s Final Draw producing six enticing groups.

As the teams plan their preparations for the January 7-February 5, 2027 continental showpiece, the-AFC.com listened to what several head coaches had to say after the glittering Final Draw at the historical Salwa Palace in Riyadh.