Burgess determined to live his dream with Socceroos

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Burgess determined to live his dream with Socceroos

Perth: Cameron Burgess will take his hard-earned experience of the Premier League into Australia’s decisive matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 against Japan and Saudi Arabia as the Socceroos look to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Ipswich Town defender talks to the-AFC.com about the challenge that lies ahead.

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New tacticians on crucial missions

Mon, 02 Jun, 2025

New tacticians on crucial missions

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will be on a trio of head coaches as the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 approaches its climax with the final two matchdays.

Three teams will be led by new tacticians, with two still in the running for an automatic spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

#AsianQualifiers - MD9: How its stands

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD9: How its stands

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 enters its home stretch with the final two matchdays to be played over the coming days.

With Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan having already confirmed their tickets to next year's Finals, only four automatic spots remain up for grabs. 

An additional two will be at stake in the playoffs, setting the stage for no-holds barred contests. The-AFC.com takes a look at the state of play in each of the three groups.

Vote for your NEOM Future Stars of the Season

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Vote for your NEOM Future Stars of the Season

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 not only crowned first time winners in Al Ahli Saudi FC but also showcased a new generation of footballers who put in some game-changing displays to make their mark on Asia’s premier club competition. 

So now it’s time for you, the fans, to celebrate the future of Asian football by voting for your NEOM Future Stars of the Season. We've shortlisted 10 players who lit up the competition and your vote will now decide who was the season’s standout youngster.  

Vote for the best goal from the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals

Wed, 28 May, 2025

Vote for the best goal from the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion as Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC emerged as the inaugural winners of the revamped competition by defeating Kawasaki Frontale of Japan in the final in Jeddah.  

A total of 31 goals were scored from seven matches played during the Finals of Asia’s premier club competition but it’s now time for you, the fans, to pick the best among these 10 goals – presented by VISA – by casting your votes. 

Europe Wrap: A season to remember for Lee’s PSG

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Europe Wrap: A season to remember for Lee’s PSG

Kuala Lumpur: Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in has become the second Korea Republic international to win the UEFA Champions League after his side routed Italian side Inter 5-0. The 24-year-old follows in the footsteps of Park Ji-sung, who won the 2008 trophy with Manchester United. 

There was also playoff action in the Scottish Premiership and Ligue 1 for some of the Continent’s top professionals, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.

Al Duhail sign Polish striker Piatek

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Al Duhail sign Polish striker Piatek

Doha: Al Duhail SC announced the signing of Krzysztof Piatek on Monday, with the Polish striker to add firepower to the Qatar Stars League club.

Piatek, 29, joins Al Duhail from Basaksehir, having netted 21 goals in the 2024/25 season for the Turkish club.

Australia, Thailand shine; Korea Republic held; Japan fall

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Australia, Thailand shine; Korea Republic held; Japan fall

Canberra: Amy Sayer starred with a brace as Australia cruised 4-1 past Argentina in an international friendly on Monday.

Korea Republic were held 1-1 draw by Colombia, Thailand defeated Nepal 2-0 and Japan suffered a 2-1 defeat against Brazil. Lebanon, meanwhile, edged Palestine 2-1 in a friendly played on Sunday.

Montemurro named new Matildas head coach

Mon, 02 Jun, 2025

Montemurro named new Matildas head coach

Sydney: Former Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon boss Joe Montemurro has been named the new head coach of Australia’s women’s team, and will lead the Matildas in their attempt to win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ when the country hosts the championship next March.

The 55-year-old takes over as the long-term replacement for Tony Gustavsson and his appointment ends a 10-month search for a full-time head coach by Football Australia, with Tom Sermanni having served as the team’s interim boss.