#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. 

Road to 26 Playoffs draw to set stage for remaining contenders

Mon, 23 Jun, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw to set stage for remaining contenders

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams still in the running for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification will discover their remaining battle paths at the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at 3pm on July 17, 2025 (Thursday), at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Six of the eight direct berths on offer to Asia have already been claimed following the conclusion of the third qualifying round last month, which featured three groups of six teams. The third and fourth-placed sides from each of those groups — Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will get another shot via the Playoffs, which is scheduled for October 8 to 14.

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD3

Fri, 11 Jul, 2025

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD3

Amman: Jordan will be determined to collect a second win on Sunday to keep pace with Islamic Republic of Iran and surprise package Bhutan in Group A of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers.

With all three sides in contention for a place at Australia 2026, Jordan will know that nothing less than victory against Singapore will suffice if they are to stay in the hunt heading into the final two matchdays.

Iran, meanwhile, face a buoyant Bhutan side in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the group.

Japan retain Asia’s top spot

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

Japan retain Asia’s top spot

Kuala Lumpur: Japan remained as the highest ranked Asian nation in 17th spot, as the top six remained unchanged in the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday.

Leading the way up the rankings on the back of their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round performances were Malaysia, Hong Kong, China PR, Indonesia and Laos.

Korea Republic impress against Hong Kong, China

Fri, 11 Jul, 2025

Korea Republic impress against Hong Kong, China

Yongin: Korea Republic made it two wins out of two after defeating Hong Kong, China 2-0 in their 2025 (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship tie on Friday.

The win sets up Hong Myung-bo’s side nicely heading into their final group game against Japan on Tuesday.

Hernandez signs for Al Hilal, Basaksehir land Shomurodov

Fri, 11 Jul, 2025

Hernandez signs for Al Hilal, Basaksehir land Shomurodov

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC have completed the signing of France international Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday.

The 27-year-old, who is the younger brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France defender Lucas Hernandez, spent six seasons in Milan.