Joao Pedro brace sends Chelsea into final

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

Joao Pedro brace sends Chelsea into final

East Rutherford: New signing Joao Pedro scored twice on his first start as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday to seal a spot in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The Brazilian striker opened the scoring in lethal fashion in the 18th minute of the last-four clash at the MetLife Stadium and struck again shortly before the hour mark as Chelsea set up a showdown with either Spain's Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain of France in Sunday's final.

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#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: A number of youngsters from across the continent dazzled at the recently concluded third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

Asian football continues to produce talent with huge potential to reach the highest level, with the likes of Lee Kang-in and Takefusa Kubo among those who have earned global recognition in recent years. 
 
After the completion of the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, the-AFC.com picks 11 players who impressed for their respective nations and asks you to vote for your favourite rising star. 

Japan shine in opener

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Japan shine in opener

Yongin: Japan got their 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship campaign off to a perfect start after defeating Hong Kong, China 6-1 on Tuesday.

Ryo Germain starred with four goals in the first half as Hajime Moriyasu’s defending champions made a strong statement.

The two-time winners meet China PR on Saturday, while Hong Kong, China will face an acid test when they face Korea Republic on Friday.

Grant strike seals Matildas comeback victory

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Grant strike seals Matildas comeback victory

Perth: Australia defeated Panama 3-2 in a highly entertaining contest to finish the four-game international window on a high.

Panama took the lead in the first half, before Michelle Heyman's second-half brace and Charli Grant's stoppage-time winner sealed the victory for Australia.

Takai inks deal with Tottenham Hotspur

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Takai inks deal with Tottenham Hotspur

London: Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Japan international defender Kota Takai from AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 finalists Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old, who made his debut for the Samurai Blue in September 2024 and was a key member of the Kawasaki side that reached the final of the continental championship in May, has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League outfit.

Buriram strengthen ahead of new season

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025

Buriram strengthen ahead of new season

Buriram: Buriram United have announced 10 new signings, including Indonesia’s Shayne Pattynama, Thailand defender Elias Dolah and Singapore forward Ilhan Fandi, as the Thai champions strengthen their squad ahead of the new AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 campaign.

The club, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 edition of the continental championship, also confirmed the arrival of Serbian striker Fejsal Mulic and Thai winger Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom in a bid to bolster Osmar Loss’ squad.

Spaniard Juan Ibiza, Filip Stojkovic from Montenegro, Serbia’s Nemanja Nikolic, German defender Robert Bauer and Robert Zulj, older brother of Buriram United’s Austrian midfielder Peter Zulj, complete the raft of signings made by the club.