Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185150

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185152

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Masoud strengthens Al Ahli; Okuma joins Aston Villa

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia midfielder Naif Masoud has joined Al Ahli Saudi FC on a four-year contract while Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma has completed a move to English Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old Masoud arrives from Al Fateh and becomes Al Ahli’s fifth addition of the transfer window, following Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Francisco Trincao, Eduard Spertsyan and Mishal Al Mutairi.

Indonesia power past Laos to retain title

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Indonesia power past Laos to retain title

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia were in irresistible form as they defended their AFF Women’s Cup title with a resounding 5-0 victory against Laos in the final on Wednesday.

Having won the inaugural edition in 2024, Satoru Mochizuki’s side were simply unstoppable in the final after going ahead through Sydney Hopper’s 33rd minute opener.