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.

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/3167124

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3167159

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.

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).