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ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta'zim began their Malaysia Super League title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Kuching City 3-0 to set a world record unbeaten league run to 109 matches.

Chengdu Rongcheng suffered a dramatic defeat but remain well clear at the Chinese Super League summit, while FC Machida Zelvia, Kashiwa Reysol and defending champions Kashima Antlers maintained their perfect starts in Japan.

FC Seoul strengthened their grip on top spot in Korea Republic with a seven-goal rout, while five teams made winning starts as the new Hong Kong Premier League season got underway.

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Sun, 23 Aug, 2026

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Kuala Lumpur: Mehdi Taremi and Darwin Nunez were among the biggest names on the move as clubs across Asia continued to strengthen their squads.

Islamic Republic of Iran international Taremi completed a move to UAE Pro League side Al Wasl SC, while Uruguay forward Nunez switched Saudi Arabian clubs after joining Al Diriyah on loan from Al Hilal SFC.

India crowned inaugural eFootball Mobile champions

Sat, 22 Aug, 2026

India crowned inaugural eFootball Mobile champions

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFAe Continental Championship 2026 by AFC concluded on Saturday with India crowned the inaugural eFootball Mobile champions after edging Japan in the Final.

Thailand also secured their place at the FIFAe Finals 2026 after defeating Jordan in the 2nd Chance Final, joining finalists India and Japan on the global stage.

For Jordan, their campaign continued through the Intercontinental Playoffs, where they defeated New Zealand in straight games to reach the FIFAe Finals.

Itakura back with Gladbach; Al Shabab nab Partey

Sat, 22 Aug, 2026

Itakura back with Gladbach; Al Shabab nab Partey

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Ko Itakura completed a return to the German Bundesliga after re-signing for Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 29-year-old played in the Dutch Eredivisie with Ajax last season and captained Japan to the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Fri, 21 Aug, 2026

Einaga seals Belgium move; Cancelo returns to Barcelona

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Takatora Einaga secured a move to Europe after completing a permanent transfer to Belgian side K. Beerschot V.A.

Einaga has signed a two-year contract at the Kiel, with an option for an additional season.

Elsewhere, Al Hilal SFC defender Joao Cancelo returned to Barcelona and Ryo Nakamura joined Thespa Gunma on loan.

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Thu, 20 Aug, 2026

Suzuki completes Villa switch; Qadsiah powered by Reijnders

Kuala Lumpur: Aston Villa announced on Wednesday they have signed Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki while Al Qadsiah Club have strengthened with the capture of Dutch international Tijani Reijnders.

Suzuki joins the reigning Europa League champions on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of around 35 million euros ($40 million) from Serie A outfit Parma.

Born in the United States, Suzuki made his debut for Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds aged 18. Following a short stint in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, he spent the past two seasons with Italian side Parma.

Urawa strengthen with Yamane, Seko moves

Tue, 18 Aug, 2026

Urawa strengthen with Yamane, Seko moves

Kuala Lumpur: Urawa Red Diamonds have bolstered their squad with the signing of two experienced players in Miki Yamane and Tatsuki Seko.

The 2006 J1 League champions have started their new campaign in underwhelming fashion, losing their opening two matches but head coach Cho Kwi-jae will now have an improved arsenal at his disposal.

East Asia Wrap: Rongcheng, Seoul remain firmly in charge

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Rongcheng, Seoul remain firmly in charge

Tokyo: Chengdu Rongcheng and FC Seoul maintained their tight grips on the title race in China PR and Korea Republic respectively with wins over the weekend.

Kashima Antlers recorded their second victory in as many matches but ended the matchday fourth in the standings as the new season of the J1 League starts to gather pace.

The-AFC.com reviews the past week's domestic action across East Asia.

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

PS: Gangwon FC (KOR) 0-1 Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Gangneung: Gamba Osaka secured their place in the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday as Gaku Nawata’s extra-time strike earned the J1 League side a 1-0 win over hosts Gangwon FC from Korea Republic.

Nawata scored 13 minutes into extra-time for the reigning AFC Champions League Two™ title-holders after neither side had managed to find a way through during the regulation 90 minutes.

Osaka will join compatriots Kashima Antlers, Vissel Kobe, Kashiwa Reysol and Kyoto Sanga in the draw for the league phase, which has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.

Gangwon were eliminated despite dominating for long periods against a Gamba side that exhibited obvious signs of rustiness in a match that was played after just one week of action in the new J1 League season.

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu stumble but stay top; Kashima launch title defence with thriller

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

East Asia Wrap: Chengdu stumble but stay top; Kashima launch title defence with thriller

Tokyo: Chengdu Rongcheng suffered defeat but retained top spot in China PR, while FC Seoul were held again in Korea Republic as Ulsan HD closed the gap to seven points with victory over Pohang Steelers.

In Japan, defending champions Kashima Antlers began their title defence with a dramatic victory as the new J.League campaign got underway.

Sano makes PSV step up

Mon, 10 Aug, 2026

Sano makes PSV step up

Kuala Lumpur: Japan international Kodai Sano’s upward trajectory continues after the central midfielder moved from NEC Nijmegen to PSV Eindhoven.

Three seasons with NEC saw the 22-year-old become a regular with 84 appearances and the former Fagiano Okayama player will now ply his trade under new boss Peter Bosz.

Townsend continues Thai adventure; NEOM unveil trio

Sun, 09 Aug, 2026

Townsend continues Thai adventure; NEOM unveil trio

Kuala Lumpur: Former England international Andros Townsend will continue his career in Thailand after joining PT Prachuap, while Saudi Arabia’s NEOM SC strengthened significantly with the additions of Georgios Masouras, Mohannad Abu Taha and Khalil Al Absi.

Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah, Fagiano Okayama, PSIM Yogyakarta and Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC were also active as clubs across Asia continued fine-tuning their squads.