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News

Japan edge New Zealand

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Japan edge New Zealand

Tokyo: Japan ramped up their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a 2-1 win over New Zealand on Monday in the final of a four-team friendly football tournament in Tokyo.

Ritsu Doan scored a 71st-minute winner for Japan after New Zealand's Ben Old cancelled out Ayase Ueda's opener in the first half.

Japan are looking to win the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 2011 when the tournament kicks off in Saudi Arabia in January.

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: 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.

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Kuala Lumpur: Issam Sabhi will be determined to make up for lost time when Oman compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

The Qatar 2023 edition was Sabhi’s first participation in the continental showpiece and the 29-year-old will be out to make his mark for his nation.

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohammad Daham has developed into an influential attacking player and will be among the names expected to carry Oman’s hopes at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Capable of operating across the attacking line, Daham’s rise began with Al Nasr Sporting Club, where his performance during the 2022/23 season propelled him into the national spotlight.

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Salem Al Dawsari will be aiming to drive Saudi Arabia to glory when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

A possible swansong for the attacker in the continental showpiece, the 19th edition of the competition will be Al Dawsari’s fourth tournament with his motivation to deliver the savoured silverware remaining as high as ever.

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

OCAC praises #AsianCup2027 preparations as operational milestones accelerate

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

OCAC praises #AsianCup2027 preparations as operational milestones accelerate

Kuala Lumpur: With 100 days to go until the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, the Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) today applauded the major operational milestones achieved as preparations enter their final readiness phases.

Chairing the fifth meeting, held virtually, Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. expressed high praise for the significant progress made by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) in setting new benchmarks of excellence for the Continent’s premier men’s tournament.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/khuzama-official-match-ball-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™

Rayan header denies Australia

Fri, 25 Sep, 2026

Rayan header denies Australia

Townsville: A last minute header from Brazilian substitute Rayan salvaged a 1-1 draw with Australia in a thrilling international friendly in Townsville on Friday.

Rayan headed the ball home in the 95th minute to deny the hosts what would have been only their second win over the South American giants.

Photos

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: 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.

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Kuala Lumpur: Issam Sabhi will be determined to make up for lost time when Oman compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

The Qatar 2023 edition was Sabhi’s first participation in the continental showpiece and the 29-year-old will be out to make his mark for his nation.

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohammad Daham has developed into an influential attacking player and will be among the names expected to carry Oman’s hopes at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Capable of operating across the attacking line, Daham’s rise began with Al Nasr Sporting Club, where his performance during the 2022/23 season propelled him into the national spotlight.

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Salem Al Dawsari will be aiming to drive Saudi Arabia to glory when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

A possible swansong for the attacker in the continental showpiece, the 19th edition of the competition will be Al Dawsari’s fourth tournament with his motivation to deliver the savoured silverware remaining as high as ever.

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/khuzama-official-match-ball-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Seoul: Korea Republic Football Association (KFA) announced the appointment of former Spain boss Robert Moreno as the interim men’s national team head coach on Tuesday.

Korea Republic will compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ which runs from January 7 to February 5, with KFA saying Moreno could lead the team "subject to an evaluation" of his performance.

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Baghdad: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will work to be a force in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after the Australian signed a contract extension as head coach on Monday.

The new contract will see the tactician in charge of Iraq for September's Gulf Cup and the continental showpiece in January, with Arnold signing a six-month extension although the Iraq Football Association had offered a four-year deal

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Dubai: Zlatko Dalic was revealed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates Wednesday.

The 59-year-old takes over from Cosmin Olariou, who lasted 13 months in the role after replacing Paulo Bento.

Dalic comes with the pedigree of having led Croatia to the final of FIFA World Cup 2018 and the semi-finals four years later.

Videos

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: 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.

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Kuala Lumpur: Issam Sabhi will be determined to make up for lost time when Oman compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

The Qatar 2023 edition was Sabhi’s first participation in the continental showpiece and the 29-year-old will be out to make his mark for his nation.

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohammad Daham has developed into an influential attacking player and will be among the names expected to carry Oman’s hopes at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Capable of operating across the attacking line, Daham’s rise began with Al Nasr Sporting Club, where his performance during the 2022/23 season propelled him into the national spotlight.

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Salem Al Dawsari will be aiming to drive Saudi Arabia to glory when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

A possible swansong for the attacker in the continental showpiece, the 19th edition of the competition will be Al Dawsari’s fourth tournament with his motivation to deliver the savoured silverware remaining as high as ever.

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/khuzama-official-match-ball-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Korea Republic appoint Moreno as interim head coach

Seoul: Korea Republic Football Association (KFA) announced the appointment of former Spain boss Robert Moreno as the interim men’s national team head coach on Tuesday.

Korea Republic will compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ which runs from January 7 to February 5, with KFA saying Moreno could lead the team "subject to an evaluation" of his performance.

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Arnold promises a strong Iraq

Baghdad: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will work to be a force in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after the Australian signed a contract extension as head coach on Monday.

The new contract will see the tactician in charge of Iraq for September's Gulf Cup and the continental showpiece in January, with Arnold signing a six-month extension although the Iraq Football Association had offered a four-year deal

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Dubai: Zlatko Dalic was revealed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates Wednesday.

The 59-year-old takes over from Cosmin Olariou, who lasted 13 months in the role after replacing Paulo Bento.

Dalic comes with the pedigree of having led Croatia to the final of FIFA World Cup 2018 and the semi-finals four years later.