News

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mehdi Taremi (IR Iran)

Kuala Lumpur: Talismanic striker Mehdi Taremi will look to end more than 50 years of AFC Asian Cup™ near-misses and disappointment for the Islamic Republic of Iran in Saudi Arabia 2027™ when the widely-travelled forward seeks to lead his nation to their first title since 1976.

The 34-year-old is already considered one of his nation’s finest-ever players, forging a successful career at the highest level in European club football as well as scoring at the FIFA World Cup.

Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Musa Al Taamari (Jordan)

Kuala Lumpur: Musa Al Taamari played a starring role in Jordan’s historic run at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the dynamic forward will once again be expected to lead their challenge at Saudi Arabia 2027.

Blessed with pace, close control and the ability to take on defenders, Al Taamari has developed into one of Asia’s most recognisable attacking players and is a key figure for both club and country.

Talajic leaves Bahrain

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Talajic leaves Bahrain

Jeddah:  Bahrain Football Association (BFA) and Dragan Talajic parted ways by mutual agreement on Monday following the two-time winners’ early exit from the 27th Gulf Cup.

Talajic, who took charge as head coach in February 2024, guided Bahrain to the Gulf Cup title later that year but saw his side lose all their group stage matches in Jeddah.

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Han Kwang Song (PRK)

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will be excited to get their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign underway with Han Kwang Song in the mood to be the brightest spark.

One of a small number of players from the nation to have played their club football overseas, the forward sparkled during his stint in Italy.

Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohamed Marhoon (BHR)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohamed Marhoon has long been one of Bahrain’s most influential attacking players and the versatile midfielder will again have a major role to play when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Comfortable operating as an attacking midfielder or out wide, Marhoon combines creativity with an eye for goal and is an important figure for both club and country.

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Eldor Shomurodov (UZB)

Kuala Lumpur: If Uzbekistan are to excel at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, there will be no doubt that Eldor Shomurodov will play a pivotal role in making that happen.

Closing in on a century of caps for the Central Asian side, the forward has already inspired the team to new heights and it will come as no surprise should Uzbekistan make it deep in the upcoming edition.

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Fri, 02 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Oday Dabbagh (Palestine)

Kuala Lumpur: Oday Dabbagh was at the heart of Palestine’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ historic run and the prolific forward will once again carry much of the attacking responsibility when they head to Saudi Arabia 2027.

Dabbagh has long been one of Palestine's potent attacking threats, with his composure in front of goal and ability to find space making him a key figure for the West Asian side.

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Issam Sabhi (OMA)

Kuala Lumpur: Issam Sabhi will be determined to make up for lost time when Oman compete in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

The Qatar 2023 edition was Sabhi’s first participation in the continental showpiece and the 29-year-old will be out to make his mark for his nation.

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Mohammad Daham (KUW)

Kuala Lumpur: Mohammad Daham has developed into an influential attacking player and will be among the names expected to carry Oman’s hopes at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Capable of operating across the attacking line, Daham’s rise began with Al Nasr Sporting Club, where his performance during the 2022/23 season propelled him into the national spotlight. 

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Wed, 30 Sep, 2026

Player to watch: Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Salem Al Dawsari will be aiming to drive Saudi Arabia to glory when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in January.

A possible swansong for the attacker in the continental showpiece, the 19th edition of the competition will be Al Dawsari’s fourth tournament with his motivation to deliver the savoured silverware remaining as high as ever.

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

Riyadh: Today marks the latest milestone for the grandest-ever edition of Asia’s crown jewel as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gears up to play host for the first time in tournament history.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on January 7, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed that preparations have transitioned from the planning phase to full operational status for the 19th iteration of the showpiece.

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 29 Sep, 2026

KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: With the 100-day countdown officially underway, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and KELME today officially introduced KHUZAMA – the Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, taking place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Named after the resilient wild lavender that blooms across Saudi Arabia, KHUZAMA draws inspiration from the dramatic moment the landscape transforms as the flowers blossom in unison. The distinctive violet hue reflects the traditional ceremonial colour used to welcome honoured guests, symbolising the warm hospitality extended to every team, official, and fan attending the Continental showpiece.