Rule savours ‘unbelievable’ return for Matildas

Fri, 06 Mar, 2026

Rule savours ‘unbelievable’ return for Matildas

Gold Coast: More than two years on from her debut, Charlize Rule could not have enjoyed a better return to the pitch on Thursday night.

Completing the match at centre-back in Australia’s 4-0 win against the Islamic Republic of Iran in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Group A encounter at the Gold Coast Stadium marked Rule’s competitive debut for the Matildas and only her second cap since featuring in a 5-0 friendly defeat to Canada in December 2023.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3160343

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3160345

Jeon revels in #WAC2026 debut for Korea Republic

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Jeon revels in #WAC2026 debut for Korea Republic

Gold Coast: It was a tournament bow to remember for Jeon Yu-gyeong on Thursday, who led the line from start to finish in Korea Republic’s 3-0 victory against the Philippines.

Having not featured in the opening AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Group A win against the Islamic Republic of Iran three days earlier, Jeon delivered on her pre-match promise to give her best at the Gold Coast Stadium on just her third cap.

Montemurro pleased with Australia’s squad-building; Jafari takes IR Iran positives

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Montemurro pleased with Australia’s squad-building; Jafari takes IR Iran positives

Gold Coast: With five changes to the starting line-up and a total of six players making their first appearances at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Matildas underlined their squad depth with a convincing 4-0 win against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday to seal progression to the quarter-finals.

It was a strength that head coach Joe Montemurro highlighted afterwards, as they look to get even better in search of a second title on home soil.

Shin’s plans pay off for Korea Republic, Torcaso building Philippines’ competitiveness

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

Shin’s plans pay off for Korea Republic, Torcaso building Philippines’ competitiveness

Gold Coast: Shin Sang-woo was a satisfied enough man after watching his Korea Republic side record a second straight 3-0 win on Thursday as they saw off the Philippines.

On a sunny 1pm kick-off at the Gold Coast Stadium, the 2022 finalists claimed the three points despite making seven changes to the line-up from their opening match against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

#ACLElite - R16 (East) 1st leg: In Numbers

Thu, 05 Mar, 2026

#ACLElite - R16 (East) 1st leg: In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ moved a step closer to its climax with the first leg of the East Zone's Round of 16 contested this past week.

The four matches were not only highly competitive but hugely entertaining as well and the-AFC.com takes a look at some fascinating facts and figures from the absorbing encounters.

QF (1st Leg): Manila Digger FC (PHI) 1-0 Dewa United FC (IDN)

Fri, 06 Mar, 2026

QF (1st Leg): Manila Digger FC (PHI) 1-0 Dewa United FC (IDN)

Manila: Manila Digger FC dominated but had to settle for a 1-0 win against a sluggish Dewa United FC in the first leg of their AFC Challenge League 2025/26™ quarter-final at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Thursday.

Kenji Nishioka’s first half goal secured Kim Versales’ men a slim advantage to defend in next week’s return leg.