Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo has backed Son Heung-min to get back to goalscoring ways at his fourth FIFA World Cup after on Saturday naming the striker in his squad for the tournament.

Captain Son has struggled for goals since swapping English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer a year ago.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3174097

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Tokyo: An emotional Hajime Moriyasu said Japan had lost "a major presence" in Kaoru Mitoma after he was forced to leave the injured winger out of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Friday.

Mitoma missed the cut after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

#U17WAC - Preview - Final: DPR Korea v Japan

Sat, 16 May, 2026

#U17WAC - Preview - Final: DPR Korea v Japan

Suzhou: Expect fireworks when DPR Korea meet Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.

In a rivalry that has defined the competition, this will be the seventh final meeting between the two - with each having won the title four times.

DPR Korea, not personal accolades, is what matters for Yu

Sat, 16 May, 2026

DPR Korea, not personal accolades, is what matters for Yu

Suzhou: Irrespective of what happens in Sunday’s AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final, there is no doubt that DPR Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang has left a lasting impression on the tournament. 

The forward has been one of the standout players, with her 11 goals powering the defending champions through to yet another title showdown against Japan but this is just a step on the pathway she sees for herself.

Ito confident success awaits Japan

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Ito confident success awaits Japan

Suzhou: Preparation is key for Anri Ito as she builds towards the biggest game of her budding career when Japan take on DPR Korea in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

The defender believes no stone has been left unturned as Japan bid to avenge the heartbreak of defeat in the 2024 final and claim a record-setting fifth title.

Continent’s finest learn Poland 2026 challengers

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Continent’s finest learn Poland 2026 challengers

Warsaw: The draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 has set the stage for an intriguing tournament with Asia’s four representatives discovering their group stage opponents on Friday.

Defending champions DPR Korea, Japan, China PR and Korea Republic will be Asia’s hopefuls at the global tourney.