News

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.

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Riyadh: Trailing by a goal in their penultimate fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round, Singapore’s hopes were fading fast in front of a near-capacity home crowd.

Defeat to Hong Kong, China in the winner-takes-all showdown would eliminate the Lions via the head-to-head criterion and extend an absence from Asia’s crown jewel that dates back to their debut in 1984, while sealing back-to-back qualifications for the home side.

But a two-goal salvo within five minutes saw Gavin Lee’s charges flip the script and stun the hosts, as they held on for a historic victory last November that sealed a maiden qualification on merit to the AFC Asian Cup™.

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Riyadh: Robert Prosinecki knew he was stepping into a unique challenge when he accepted the role of Kyrygz Republic head coach.

Convinced by the potential of the Central Asian side, Prosinecki didn’t require much convincing and the 57-year-old Croat is now plotting Kyrgyz Republic’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ challenge.

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™.

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.

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.