Minamino: It was amazing to see Japan in the knockout phase in 2002

Fri, 21 Oct, 2022

Minamino: It was amazing to see Japan in the knockout phase in 2002

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup™ used to be a distant goal for Japan, as if it were an event in another world. However, the situation has changed dramatically since their first appearance at France 1998, thanks in no small part to the introduction of a professional league.

There are some members of the Japanese squad heading to Qatar who weren’t even born when Japan made their inaugural appearance. These days, however, seeing Japan on the international stage every four years has become a familiar sight.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2929298.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2929307.html

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

This is just the beginning, says Al Seeb’s Rasheed Jabar

Sun, 23 Oct, 2022

This is just the beginning, says Al Seeb’s Rasheed Jabar

Kuala Lumpur: Al Seeb Club opened a new chapter in Omani football history after becoming the first club from the West Asian country to lift the AFC Cup™ trophy, and head coach Rasheed Jabar is confident Saturday’s triumph heralds the start of more success for the club.

Three players found the back of the net to secure Al Seeb a 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur City FC in the final at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil, a result which the Omani side richly deserved.

Hodak: Lack of cutting edge cost Kuala Lumpur City

Sun, 23 Oct, 2022

Hodak: Lack of cutting edge cost Kuala Lumpur City

Kuala Lumpur: There was no fairy tale ending for Kuala Lumpur City FC following their 3-0 defeat to Al Seeb Club of Oman in the AFC Cup™ 2022 Final at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

The visitors led from start to finish with Ali Al Busaidi and Abdulaziz Al Muqbali providing a two-goal cushion going into the break before Muhsen Al Ghassani scored the third as Al Seeb became the first side from Oman to win the AFC Cup.

Shaikh Salman praises Al Seeb Club on historic AFC Cup™ victory

Sun, 23 Oct, 2022

Shaikh Salman praises Al Seeb Club on historic AFC Cup™ victory

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Al Seeb Club after the Omani side defeated Kuala Lumpur City FC 3-0 to clinch their maiden AFC Cup™ crown at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday.

In a captivating battle between two first-time finalists, first half goals from Ali Al Busaidi and Abdulaziz Al Maqbali put Al Seeb in control at the interval and a third from Muhsen Al Ghassani ensured the trophy remained in West Asia for the 16th time in the competition’s 18 editions.

Asia's best learn Australia & New Zealand 2023 opponents

Sat, 22 Oct, 2022

Asia's best learn Australia & New Zealand 2023 opponents

Auckland: The road to FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 glory for Asia's representatives was decided following the conclusion of the draw in Auckland on Saturday.

Co-hosts Australia, China PR, Japan, Korea Republic, Philippines and Vietnam - with Chinese Taipei and Thailand possibly joining them in the Finals - will have to navigate a tough group stage of the first FIFA Women's World Cup to be held in the Southern Hemisphere if they are to challenge for the title.