Late goal ends Japan's title bid

Thu, 09 Oct, 2025

Late goal ends Japan's title bid

Santiago: Japan bowed out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 after losing 1-0 to France in their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Lucas Michael snatched the winner in extra-time, netting from the spot in the 123rd minute to send France through to a quarter-final tie against Norway.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3120704

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3120706

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3120708

Playoffs - Group A: Oman 0-0 Qatar

Thu, 09 Oct, 2025

Playoffs - Group A: Oman 0-0 Qatar

Doha: Oman and Qatar settled for a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Group A tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday.

The result leaves both with work to do with Oman to face the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, with the Emiratis taking on Qatar three days later.

Only the group winners will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Playoffs - Group B: Indonesia 2-3 Saudi Arabia

Thu, 09 Oct, 2025

Playoffs - Group B: Indonesia 2-3 Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Feras Al Brikan scored twice as Saudi Arabia battled back from going behind to an early Kevin Diks penalty to secure a 3-2 win over Indonesia in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday.

Diks put Patrick Kluivert’s side in front in the 11th minute but that lead lasted only six minutes as Saleh Abu Al Shamat levelled ahead of Al Brikan’s brace, the Al Ahli Saudi FC striker scoring in the 36th and 62nd minutes to send Herve Renard’s side on their way to the win.

With two minutes left, Diks scored again from the penalty spot and Mohammed Kanno receive a late red card, but neither was enough to deny Saudi Arabia a victory that puts the six-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the cusp of securing another appearance at the Finals.

The Green Falcons will face Iraq in Jeddah next Tuesday while Indonesia take on Graham Arnold’s side on Saturday knowing they must win to have any chance of keeping their own FIFA World Cup dream alive.

Late Jiang winner sends Wuhan Jiangda through

Wed, 08 Oct, 2025

Late Jiang winner sends Wuhan Jiangda through

Wuhan: Wuhan: Jiang Chenying struck late to clinch China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC a 1-0 win against Auckland United FC of New Zealand in Round 1 of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

Wuhan Jiangda dominated the opening tie of the new global women’s club competition and were deserving winners as they booked a place in Round 2 where they will face the winners of the CAF Women’s Champions League in December.

#ACLElite – Vote for your MD2 Player of the Match by STA

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

#ACLElite – Vote for your MD2 Player of the Match by STA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two delivered precisely what the AFC Champions League Elite™ promises: big-game moments, cool heads under pressure, and players who bent the flow of the contest their way.

We've shortlisted standout performers — now it's over to you. Read the snapshots below, remember the moments, and back your man.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD3 Preview

Wed, 08 Oct, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD3 Preview

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round returns with Matchday Three action on Thursday.

The 24 teams hoping to advance to the continental showpiece will face double headers, with the reverse fixtures to be played on Tuesday.

With only the six groups winners to advance to the Finals, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at what can be expected on Thursday.