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.

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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.

Capellas steps down as Philippines head coach

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

Capellas steps down as Philippines head coach

Manila: Albert Capellas has resigned as head coach of the Philippines citing personal reasons ahead of the Southeast Asian nation’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifier against Tajikistan on June 10.

Capellas, who took over from Tom Saintfiet in September and led the Philippines to the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Federation Championship three months later, will be replaced on an interim basis by his assistant coach, Carles Cuadrat.

China PR stopped by USA

Sun, 01 Jun, 2025

China PR stopped by USA

Saint Paul: China PR fell to a 3-0 defeat against the United States in a women's international friendly on Saturday.

Hong Kong, China defeated Malaysia 2-1 while Indonesia and Bangladesh played to a goalless draw.

Catley eyes success on home soil after lifting Champions League trophy with Arsenal

Sat, 31 May, 2025

Catley eyes success on home soil after lifting Champions League trophy with Arsenal

Melbourne: Steph Catley wants to steer Australia to the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ title on home soil after lifting silverware with club side Arsenal recently.

Catley and fellow Matildas Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross were part of the Arsenal squad that defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final last week.

It ended Arsenal's long wait for the title - having also emerged champions in 2007 - and Catley said the success will act as motivation for her in Australia's bid to win the AFC Women's Asian Cup next year - having lifted the coveted trophy in 2010.

Brazil power past Japan

Sat, 31 May, 2025

Brazil power past Japan

Sao Paulo: Japan suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in an international friendly on Friday.

The South American side powered to a 3-0 lead before Japan found a late response at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

Johnson marks Australia debut with goal

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Johnson marks Australia debut with goal

Melbourne: Kahli Johnson had a debut to remember as she struck once in Australia's 2-0 win over Argentina in an international women's friendly on Friday.

The sides meet again on Monday as Australia intensify their preparations for the AFC Women's Asian Cup™ 2026 which they will be hosting.

#ACLTwo Match Predictor: The Recap

Thu, 29 May, 2025

#ACLTwo Match Predictor: The Recap

Kuala Lumpur: Following the conclusion of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 season, we look back at the campaign and see how you, our Match Predictor players, performed over the course of the season.  

Sharjah FC were crowned champions after they defeated Singapore’s Lion City Sailors 2-1 in the final to cap a memorable campaign for the Emirati side.  
 
Did your form hit similar heights? Read on to find out! 

Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers groups finalised

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers groups finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The teams aspiring to vie for the title discovered their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers opponents following the official draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 44 sides were drawn into 11 groups for the Qualifiers, which will be contested on September 3-9, 2025.

The 11 group winners and four best best-ranked runners-up will join Saudi Arabia, who are hosting the tournament for the first time, in January's Finals.

Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers: All you need to know

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: Following Thursday's draw, the teams aiming to be at the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 can start planning for the Qualifiers, which will be played on September 3-9, 2025.

It promises to be intense and as we wait in anticipation for the Qualifiers, the-AFC.com highlights some interesting facts and figures about the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

Challengers determined for Asia's hopefuls

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Challengers determined for Asia's hopefuls

Santiago: Asia's four representatives discovered their FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 opponents following the official draw in Santiago on Thursday.

The 24 teams were divided into six groups, with the tournament to be contested on September 27-October 19, 2025.

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.