Bittersweet win for Japan’s Ijiri

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Bittersweet win for Japan’s Ijiri

Pathum Thani: Head coach Akira Ijiri was left with mixed feelings after Japan's dominant win over Vietnam in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Saturday. 

The six-time champions and 2024 finalists overpowered the Southeast Asian side 4-0 to charge into the last four, but Ijiri came away conflicted.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u20wac-|-q-final-japan-4-0-vietnam

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3167121

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3167149

Masahiko optimistic despite Vietnam's exit

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Masahiko optimistic despite Vietnam's exit

Pathum Thani: Vietnam have much to look forward to despite making their exit from the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Saturday.

The Southeast Asian side lost 4-0 in the quarter-finals to six-time champions Japan after a valiant display, and head coach Okiyama Masahiko said his squad had achieved their objective.

Relief and joy for China PR’s Bell

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Relief and joy for China PR’s Bell

Pathum Thani: China PR head coach Colin Bell was delighted as his side punched their ticket to the last four of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™, following a 2-1 win against Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

In securing a semi-final berth, the 2006 champions also ensured they would be one of Asia’s four representatives at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland later this year, giving Bell all the more reason to celebrate with his side to play Japan in the semi-finals.

Panov proud of Uzbekistan’s journey

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Panov proud of Uzbekistan’s journey

Pathum Thani: Heartbreak and pride were the two emotions Vladimir Panov was grappling with as his Uzbekistan side exited the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ following a 2-1 defeat to China PR in the quarter-finals.

Despite being firmly outplayed in the first half and trailing by two goals, the Central Asians produced a gritty second-half performance, pulling one back and nearly equalising in the final 10 minutes.

#U20WAC - Vote for your best goal of the Group Stage

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026

#U20WAC - Vote for your best goal of the Group Stage

Pathum Thani: The group stage of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ delivered a host of stunning goals, with the continent’s rising stars showcasing their quality across the 18 matches.

From long-range screamers to composed finishes and moments of individual brilliance, the-AFC.com highlights some of the standout strikes and invites you - the fans - to vote for your favourite. 

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr, 2026

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 Asian match officials have been appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – six more than in the 2022 edition of the global showpiece.

In a landmark achievement for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) sterling efforts in developing elite refereeing talent, the upcoming tournament will mark the first-ever appointment of an AFC Referee Academy graduate in Abdullah Alshehri, who was selected as a Video Match Official (VMO).