LATEST NEWS

#AFCU17 - China PR power past Australia

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - China PR power past Australia

Jeddah: China PR turned on the power in the second half to defeat Australia 2-0 in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Tuesday.

China PR, through to the final for the first time since 2004, will face Japan in the decider on Friday.

#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Jeddah: Goalkeeper Kosei Oshita starred as Japan edged defending champions Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Japan had scored in the final seconds to force a 1-1 draw, with Oshita saving the first two Uzbekistan spot-kicks only for the Central Asian side to draw level at 2-2. 

With his side having missed their third and fourth attempts, captain Anthony Motosuna stepped up to convert the winner as Japan set up a final against either China PR or Australia on Friday. 

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Suwon: Park Kil-young is looking to maximise home ground advantage when Suwon FC Women meet Naegohyang Women’s FC in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Suwon head coach is counting on a reinforced squad and match fitness - with the domestic WK League underway - to power them to victory on home soil.

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Suwon: Michael Matricciani and Naoki Kusunose are equally confident that a place in the final is theirs for the taking when Melbourne City FC square off against Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

It’s a meeting between two head coaches with vast continental experience as Matricciani took Melbourne to the final last season while Kusunose had previously guided Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies to the AFC Women’s Club Championship 2023™ title.

Naegohyang’s Kim, Suwon’s Ji relishing face-off

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Naegohyang’s Kim, Suwon’s Ji relishing face-off

Suwon: The challenge of reaching the final of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ is being embraced keenly by Naegohyang Women’s FC’s Kim Kyong Yong and Ji So-yun of Suwon FC Women.

The teams meet in the semi-finals at Suwon Sports Complex on Wednesday with both players optimistic of their respective chances.

Melbourne’s depth gives Stott confidence; Verdy’s Iwashimizu seeking final hurrah

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Melbourne’s depth gives Stott confidence; Verdy’s Iwashimizu seeking final hurrah

Suwon: Different motivations are guiding Rebekah Stott and Azusa Iwashimizu as Melbourne City FC and Tokyo Verdy Beleza prepare to meet in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

Stott, who was part of the Melbourne side that finished runners-up last season, believes new signings like Aideen Keane, Chinaza Uchendu and Danella Butrus have made the team stronger, with the A-League Champions and Premiers titles wins as proof.

Iwashimizu, meanwhile, is at the end of her career and is seeking the continental title to complete her trophy cabinet. 

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Tue, 19 May, 2026

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Suzhou: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ came to a close in spectacular fashion on Sunday with DPR Korea retaining the trophy they won two years ago.

The 5-1 win against Japan cemented DPR Korea’s place as the best performing side in the history of the competition. As the tournament draws its curtain, the-AFC.com takes a look at the numbers that defined this latest edition

Europe Wrap: Maeda, Lee end campaigns with silverware

Mon, 18 May, 2026

Europe Wrap: Maeda, Lee end campaigns with silverware

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Daizen Maeda and Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in closed their season on a high after helping Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain claim the Premiership and Ligue 1 titles respectively.

Other continental stars experienced ups and downs as a number of key leagues ended, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: China PR v Australia

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: China PR v Australia

Jeddah: China PR and Australia will spare no effort in their bid to continue their impressive runs when they meet in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Tuesday.

Both teams are highly confident following strong quarter-final performances, setting up what promises to be a high-intensity and closely fought encounter.

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Tue, 19 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Jeddah:  It will be a clash between familiar foes when Japan take on Uzbekistan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ semi-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Tuesday.

Both sides are in excellent form - setting up a compelling contest for a place in the final.

#AFCU17 - Zhou, Kutleshi looking forward to showdown

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Zhou, Kutleshi looking forward to showdown

Jeddah: China PR’s Zhou Yunuo and Australia’s Besian Kutleshi have vowed to give their all when their sides meet in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Tuesday.

Both defenders said their teams are fully focused on delivering a strong performance in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Jeddah: Japan’s Anthony Motosuna and Mukhammad Khakimov of Uzbekistan will be key figures when their sides meet in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals  on Tuesday.

Having shown their quality in the run-up to the penultimate stage, both players are aiming to reach the final under different motivations and ambitions.