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.

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#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.

Popovic uncertain on challenge Socceroos face against unfamiliar Japan

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

Popovic uncertain on challenge Socceroos face against unfamiliar Japan

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic admitted he is uncertain about the challenge his side will face against Japan in Perth on Thursday after opposite number Hajime Moriyasu named an unfamiliar and inexperienced squad for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 clash.

With his team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup already secured, Moriyasu has taken the opportunity to pick eight uncapped players and 12 others with fewer than 10 international appearances for the Group C encounter that Australia must win.

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.

East Asia Wrap: Kashima extend lead; Jeonbuk go top; Eastern lift silverware

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Kashima extend lead; Jeonbuk go top; Eastern lift silverware

Hong Kong: League leaders continued to assert dominance in Japan and Korea Republic, with Kashima Antlers edging further ahead in the J1 League and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors dethroning Ulsan HD at the K League summit.

In Hong Kong, Eastern FC stormed to FA Cup glory with a stunning second-half comeback, while CPK pulled clear at the top in Macau.

Join the-AFC.com as we round up all the key results across East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Benzema stars as Al Ittihad complete double

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Benzema stars as Al Ittihad complete double

Jeddah: Karim Benzema starred with a brace as Al Ittihad completed the double with a 3-1 win over Al Qadsiah in the Saudi King's Cup final on Friday.

The curtain came down on the Bahraini Premier League as champions Muharraq Club concluded their campaign with a 2-0 win against A'Ali.
 
The-AFC.com reviews the past week's domestic action across West Asia with the season winding down.

ASEAN Wrap: Melbourne City crowned champions; clean sweep for Lion City Sailors

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: Melbourne City crowned champions; clean sweep for Lion City Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: Melbourne City claimed their second  A-League title after beating crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory in the Grand Final on Saturday.

Lion City Sailors FC capped an amazing season with victory in the Singapore Cup while Nam Dinh are within touching distance of retaining their title in Vietnam.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at the past week's domestic action across ASEAN.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Esteghlal claim record eighth Hazfi Cup; curtain falls on Bangladesh Premier League

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Esteghlal claim record eighth Hazfi Cup; curtain falls on Bangladesh Premier League

Dhaka: Esteghlal FC defeated Malavan in dramatic fashion to win the Hazfi Cup in the Islamic Republic of Iran while champions Mohammedan SC closed their campaign in the Bangladesh Football Premier League in style.

FC Arkadag continued their brilliant run in Turkmenistan’s Yokary Liga while the leagues in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan continued to gain traction, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.