Record-setter Sato only focused on Japan

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Record-setter Sato only focused on Japan

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato showed he is a player to watch with a stunning performance for Japan in their 5-0 win over Syria in their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026™ Group B opener on Wednesday.

Besides netting a brace, Sato also provided two assists as Japan began their title defence in style with the midfielder showing the promise which saw him earning his first senior international cap in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147950

Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa hailed a polished team performance as defending champions Japan sent an early warning to their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ rivals on Wednesday.

Japan adopted a patient approach early in their Group B opener against Syria before upping their tempo to cruise to a 5-0 win, much to Oiwa’s delight. 

Broli hails UAE’s response in Qatar win

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Broli hails UAE’s response in Qatar win

Jeddah: Marcelo Broli was delighted to witness his United Arab Emirates side show the right type of response in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Wednesday.

Conceding a penalty to Qatar in the opening minute wasn’t what Broli had planned but Khaled Tawhid’s save and the manner in which UAE took control of the match after that to win 2-0 gave the head coach plenty to smile about.

Khaydarov: Jitters nearly cost Uzbekistan

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Khaydarov: Jitters nearly cost Uzbekistan

Riyadh: Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khaydarov admitted his side let their guard down towards the end of their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C tie against Lebanon on Wednesday.

The 2018 champions were three up by the 57th minute but almost let the match slip through their fingers when Lebanon threatened a comeback with two goals, with Khaydarov admitting relief that his side hung on for the win.

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Riyadh:  Korea Republic head coach Lee Min-sung and his Islamic Republic of Iran counterpart Omid Ravankhah were pleased yet disappointed after their sides drew 0-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C opener on Wednesday.

Both teams struggled to find a way through, managing just one shot on target each as Uzbekistan took charge of the group after their 3-2 win against Lebanon.

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

#WAC2026 Dream XI – Pick your forwards

Kuala Lumpur: You are almost there. One final decision remains: Strikers to complete your Dream XI after you've selected your Goalkeeper, Defenders and Midfielders. 

Twelve teams will head to Australia in March for ultimate glory at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™. To warm up, the Dream XI gives fans the chance to pick 11 of your favourite players, from all-time greats to modern icons.

The poacher. The Finisher. The assassin who turns half-chances into history.

Here are the nominees for Dream Forwards.