#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers: MD1 Results & Reports

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 Qualifiers: MD1 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: The journey towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ begins on Monday with the first round of matches in the centralised Qualifiers.

Taking place for a 23rd time since being introduced in 1980, this iteration of the qualification pathway offers 15 berths at next year’s Finals and sees the maiden implementation of a two-tiered format.

The Qualification Phase divides 31 teams across eight groups, with all group winners and the seven best second-placed teams advancing to join hosts China PR at the 43rd edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™. Meanwhile, the six lowest-ranked fourth-placed teams are relegated to the Development Phase of the next Qualifiers.

Concurrently, the Development Phase features 11 teams that are split into three groups, with the first and second-placed teams of each group to be promoted to the Qualification Phase of the next Qualifiers.

Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Akhmedov urges Uzbekistan clubs to aim high

Kuala Lumpur: Odil Akhmedov has challenged Uzbekistan clubs to aim for the sky when they compete in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

Reaching the semi-finals is the best Uzbekistan clubs have managed on the highest stage of Asian club football, with four separate appearances achieved equally by Pakhtakor and FC Bunyodkor.

Uzbekistan football, however, is enjoying a purple patch -  as highlighted by various national team age-group successes and a first FIFA World Cup appearance - and Akhmedov wants to see his nation’s clubs emulating the achievements. 

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

#AWCL Group Stage thrillers to be determined

Kuala Lumpur: The contenders for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ will discover their Group Stage fate on September 3 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A cast of 12 clubs has been finalised following the conclusion of the Preliminary Stage—which witnessed a record number of participants—on Sunday, ahead of the third edition of the Continent’s premier women’s club tournament.

Watkins joins Al Hilal; Song makes Portugal switch

Mon, 31 Aug, 2026

Watkins joins Al Hilal; Song makes Portugal switch

Kuala Lumpur: Al Hilal SFC have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

Also on the move over the weekend was Korea Republic international Song Min-kyu, who left FC Seoul for Portuguese side CD Nacional, while Franck Kessie ended his spell with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC to return to Italian club Atalanta.

Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Sun, 30 Aug, 2026

Davronov wants Istiklol to pen new continental chapter

Kuala Lumpur: Nuriddin Davronov knows first-hand what continental success can mean for FC Istiklol and Tajikistan football.

The former midfielder was part of the Istiklol side that lifted the AFC President’s Cup in 2012, a breakthrough triumph he believes helped change perceptions of the club and accelerate the development of football in Tajikistan.

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Al Houti expects Kuwait SC to shine

Kuala Lumpur: Saad Al Houti stood tall during the golden era of Kuwait and the former national team captain believes the glory days can be regained, starting with Kuwait SC’s participation in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™.

Three-time AFC Cup™ winners, Kuwait SC qualified for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two after hoisting the AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ trophy in May and Al Houti is confident the only club he played for will hold their own against higher quality opposition.