S-final - Preview: Iraq v IR Iran

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

S-final - Preview: Iraq v IR Iran

Jakarta: Islamic Republic of Iran will take nothing for granted when they face Iraq in the semi-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ on Thursday.

While Iran will be playing in their 18th semi-final, Iraq will be making only their second appearance at this stage but head coach Vahid Shamsaee is keen to size up their opponents based on the tournament rather than history.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_futsal_asian_cup.html/video/acfutsal2026-|-preview-semi-finals

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3154774

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3154778

#ACLTwo contenders gear up for knockout battles

Wed, 04 Feb, 2026

#ACLTwo contenders gear up for knockout battles

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2025/26™ is set for a thrilling return to action when the Knockout Stage kicks off on February 10 (Tuesday).

Sixteen clubs will continue their quest for glory in the two-legged showdowns, with the pairings—as well as the route to the Final—determined during a draw in December.

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.

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Tue, 03 Feb, 2026

Basfore eager to inspire next generation of Blue Tigresses

Kuala Lumpur: For Sangita Basfore, India’s qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is a golden chance for the team to prove their mettle on the continental stage. 

India’s place in the Finals was secured off an unbeaten, albeit dramatic, qualifying journey in which Basfore’s brace became the deciding factor in the final-day showdown between the South Asians and Thailand.

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Karachik’s Uzbekistan journey defined by challenges

Kuala Lumpur: Football will always have a variety of meaning for Lyudmila Karachik, the icon of women’s football in Uzbekistan with her journey in the sport bookmarked at various stages by the challenges faced.

At an early age, football became a form of escape for Karachik that eventually turned into something more as she led Uzbekistan to a return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ after a 23-year absence.

From her beginnings to helping Uzbekistan overcome their heartbreak, the 30-year-old sat down with the-AFC.com to share her experience.

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Yallop: Time for Australia to win AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ again

Sydney: Sixteen years after helping Australia to Continental glory, Tameka Yallop believes the moment has come for the Matildas to reign supreme again.

The 2010 triumph remains the only time that Australia have lifted the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ trophy and a career highlight for Yallop, who made her international debut in 2007 as the 148th Matilda and has since amassed 134 caps and 14 goals.

A wide smile spreads across Yallop’s face as she recalls a recent gathering between some members from that winning side, who recounted their experiences for a documentary that was released by Football Australia last May.