Preview – Final: Japan v Nigeria

Fri, 06 Nov, 2026

Preview – Final: Japan v Nigeria

Rabat: Japan head coach Sadayoshi Shirai has urged his players to stay focused ahead of their encounter with Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 final on Saturday.

Japan will contest their fourth final, having previously reached the decider in 2010, 2014 and 2016. Their only title came in 2014, when they defeated Spain 2-0 in San Jose. 
DPR Korea, meanwhile, will face Brazil in the third-place playoff.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3203797

Women’s Olympic draw to chart path for LA28 hopefuls

Fri, 18 Sep, 2026

Women’s Olympic draw to chart path for LA28 hopefuls

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s contenders to reach the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Los Angeles 2028 will discover their fate at the Asian Qualifiers Draw on November 12 (Thursday).

To take place at 3pm (GMT+8) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ceremony comprises a cast of eight that will vie for two direct berths at the ninth occasion of a women’s football competition at the Olympic Games.

Kim pleased with Pohang’s battling spirit, Gamba’s Myojin disappointed

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Kim pleased with Pohang’s battling spirit, Gamba’s Myojin disappointed

Pohang: FC Pohang Steelers’ determination not to lose was pleasing to head coach Kim Sung-jae after the Korea Republic side came back thrice to hold Gamba Osaka to a 3-3 stalemate in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ match on Wednesday.

Gamba tactician Hiroshi Myojin, meanwhile, was left wondering what could have been despite remaining unbeaten in their campaign as they dropped points for the second time in four matches.

Dougall: Buriram on right track despite Kashima stalemate

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Dougall: Buriram on right track despite Kashima stalemate

Buriram: Buriram United captain Kenny Dougall believes his side are making progress under new head coach Raul Caneda despite having to settle for a 0-0 draw against Kashima Antlers in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Wednesday. 

The result left Buriram 12th in the standings with three points from four matches, while Kashima moved to 10, two behind leaders Vissel Kobe.

Hamdallah sets sights on title after Al Taawoun progress

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Hamdallah sets sights on title after Al Taawoun progress

Buraidah: Abderrazak Hamdallah set his sights on the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ title after his brace steered Al Taawoun FC to a 3-1 win over Jordan’s Al Faisaly and into the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

The result took the Saudi Arabian side to 10 points from four matches, with Hamdallah eager to build on the club’s run to the semi-finals in the 2024/25 edition.

Tomic proud as Al Khaldiya fight back to revive hopes

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Tomic proud as Al Khaldiya fight back to revive hopes

Abu Dhabi: Head coach Goran Tomic hailed Al Khaldiya SC’s response after they came from behind to defeat Al Wahda FC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Group A tie on Wednesday. 

The victory lifted the Bahrain side to four points and ended Al Wahda’s winning run, with Tomic insisting his side deserved all three points.