Preview - QF: DPR Korea v Australia

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Preview - QF: DPR Korea v Australia

Pathum Thani: Australia head coach Alexander Epakis is expecting an improved showing from his side against defending champions DPR Korea in Sunday’s AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ quarter-final.

After two comfortable wins against India and Chinese Taipei, Epakis always knew his side's sternest test would come against Japan, and his expectation was confirmed as the six-time champions handed the Young Matildas a 5-2 defeat on Wednesday.

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Preview - QF: Thailand v Korea Republic

Sun, 12 Apr, 2026

Preview - QF: Thailand v Korea Republic

Pathum Thani: Thailand will aim to pull off a major upset when they face Korea Republic in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 on Sunday.

The Southeast Asian side, in qualifying for their only AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals at the 2004 edition in China, lost 3-0 to Korea Republic, who went on to claim the first of two continental trophies. 

Their next meeting was at the 2015 edition, also in China, where Thailand again fell 3-0, with the defeat resulting in group stage elimination.

#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).

Japan legend Honda to play again in Singapore

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026

Japan legend Honda to play again in Singapore

Tokyo: Former AC Milan and Japan star Keisuke Honda said he wanted to set a new record after signing for a Singapore club on Friday to resume his colourful playing career aged 39.

Singapore Premier League side FC Jurong announced that the attacking midfielder, who appeared and scored at three FIFA World Cups, would play for them next season.

Frustration for Svay Rieng’s Alves; Gai proud of Manila’s resolve

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026

Frustration for Svay Rieng’s Alves; Gai proud of Manila’s resolve

Phnom Penh: Tiago Alves could not hide his disappointment after Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC could not maximise home ground advantage in their AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ semi-final first leg on Thursday.

The Portuguese forward struck after just four minutes of play but despite numerous chances for the Cambodian side, their inability to find a second goal came back to haunt them as Manila Digger FC fought back to salvage a 1-1 draw.