LATEST NEWS

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Kyrgyz Republic will be eager to make their inaugural AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Finals appearance a memorable one by hitting the ground running at Saudi Arabia 2026.

After six unsuccessful attempts, the Central Asian side finally broke through by topping their qualifying group to book a historic place at the continental tournament.

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Valiant Jordan suffer final heartbreak

Al Rayyan: Jordan gave it their best but it wasn’t enough as they went down 3-2 to Morocco in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

An Ali Olwan brace saw Jordan come from behind to lead but Abderrazzaq Hamdallah’s double meant Morocco broke Jordan’s hearts to lift the trophy, with the pulsating final needing extra time for it to be settled.  

The third-place playoff between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, was abandoned due to inclement weather, with the relevant FIFA committee to decide on the outcome. 

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Fri, 19 Dec, 2025

Vietnam fight back to snatch gold from Thailand

Bangkok: Vietnam stunningly came from 2-0 down to defeat Thailand 3-2 after extra-time in the 2025 Sea Games men's football final on Thursday.

The win meant Vietnam regained the gold medal they lost in the 2023 edition while Thailand's wait continues, having last emerged champions in 2017.

Malaysia took the bronze medal with a 2-1 victory against Philippines.

Philippines create history

Thu, 18 Dec, 2025

Philippines create history

Chonburi: The Philippines won the 2025 SEA Games women's football gold medal with a penalty shootout victory against Vietnam on Wednesday.

With the final having ended goalless after 120 minutes, Philippines edged the shootout 6-5 to claim the gold medal for the first time. Thailand, meanwhile, defeated Indonesia 2-0 to take the bronze.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: A highly confident Saudi Arabia will aim to maximise home ground advantage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

Champions in 2022, Saudi Arabia relinquished their title to Japan in 2024 edition but will head into the tournament on home soil in fine form, having lifted the Arab U23 Cup 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final on Tuesday.

Rodgers takes charge of Al Qadsiah

Wed, 17 Dec, 2025

Rodgers takes charge of Al Qadsiah

Riyadh: Former Celtic and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah as head coach.

Al Qadsiah are currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League and parted ways with previous head coach Michel Gonzalez on Sunday.

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#WAC2026 Dream XI: Pick your defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ is beginning to feel real — and before the first whistle blows, fans get to take charge with the #WAC2026 Dream XI. Build your ultimate team from a curated pool where generational legends meet the next wave of stars. 

Goalkeeper? Sorted. Time for the backline. Three defenders who can organise, disrupt, lead and inspire. From penalty-box generals to flying wide defenders, your nominees are ready. 

Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest in top form

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

Europe Wrap: Asia’s finest in top form

Kuala Lumpur: Reo Hatate, Ritsu Doan, Kento Shiogai and Keisuke Goto of Japan, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Lee Jae-sung of Korea Republic and Mousa Al Tamari of Jordan all featured among the goal-getters across major European leagues and competitions.

Other continental stars were also in the thick of action, so follow the-AFC.com as we take look at what Asia’s finest were up to in Europe the past week.

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: The Stadiums

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ will be played in four stadiums across two cities.

Jeddah and Riyadh will witness what promises to be high quality action with 32 matches to be played. The-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the four stadiums.

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: Al Rashdan strike takes Jordan past Saudi Arabia

Al Khor: Nizar Al Rashdan scored in the second half as Jordan secured a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

After a listless first half, Al Rashdan powered home a header in the 66th minute to book Jordan their place in the final against Morocco on Thursday. Saudi Arabia will face the United Arab Emirates in the third-place playoff. 

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Tue, 16 Dec, 2025

S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Al Rayyan: United Arab Emirates’ FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title hopes were dashed after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in their semi-final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui sealed victory for Morocco, who will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan in the final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Mon, 15 Dec, 2025

#AFCU23: Stars who have shone

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup™ has a history of showcasing some of the brightest talents on the continent as the players on display look to continue their rise to prominence.

Many of those who have stood out for their countries over the years have gone on to become key performers for their senior national teams and represent some of the biggest clubs in Asia and beyond.

As the seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup approaches its kick-off on January 6, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the other big names to have graced the tournament.