J1 League: All to play for in Japan

Thu, 19 Oct, 2023

J1 League: All to play for in Japan

Tokyo: With the October international break done and dusted, the attention once again turns to domestic fixtures and as the 2023 J1 League season enters its final stretch, there is still plenty to be decided with five rounds of matches to play.   

Reigning champions Yokohama F. Marinos sit four points behind table-toppers Vissel Kobe, who are eyeing their first-ever league title, and there are a number of teams vying for places in continental competitions. At the bottom of the table, it is a close fight between Yokohama FC and Shonan Bellmare to avoid relegation. 
 
As the action gets set to resume on Friday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the talking points for the weeks ahead.

A-League Men 2023-24: Preview

Tue, 17 Oct, 2023

A-League Men 2023-24: Preview

Sydney: The new A-League Men season will kick off this Friday with defending champions Central Coast Mariners set to make the trip to Adelaide United in the opening match.

The Mariners were crowned champions for the second time last season, a decade after their first when they defeated Melbourne City 6-1 in the Grand Final in one of the most remarkable A-League results of all time.
 
The two teams will once again aim to challenge for the title while several others have strengthened in what is set to be another exciting season of football in Australia. The-AFC.com previews the upcoming campaign.

Neymar has torn knee ligament, facing surgery

Thu, 19 Oct, 2023

Neymar has torn knee ligament, facing surgery

Sao Paulo: Football superstar Neymar has a torn ligament and meniscus in his left knee and will have to undergo surgery after being injured during Brazil's 2-0 loss to Uruguay, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal SFC from Paris Saint-Germain in August, was stretchered off in tears just before halftime in Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Montevideo on Tuesday.

Round 2 set for take off

Tue, 17 Oct, 2023

Round 2 set for take off

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification was finalised on Tuesday.

History makers Pakistan led nine other teams from Round 1 after an exciting day of second leg matches, with the South Asian side booking their spot after a 1-0 aggregate win over Cambodia.

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Kuala Lumpur: China PR have a rich history at the AFC Asian Cup but the title has continued to elude them.

As the East Asian side work towards rectifying that, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures about China PR at the continental showpiece.

Bahrain at the AFC Asian Cup™

Tue, 17 Oct, 2023

Bahrain at the AFC Asian Cup™

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain will be determined to make an impact in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 after suffering a Round of 16 exit in the previous edition.

As the West Asian side prepare for the continental showpiece, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures.

Australia at the AFC Asian Cup™

Mon, 16 Oct, 2023

Australia at the AFC Asian Cup™

Kuala Lumpur: Australia will be aiming for a second AFC Asian Cup™ title at Qatar 2023. 

Drawn in Group B, the Socceroos will have Uzbekistan, Syria and India for company.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting Australian facts and figures as the countdown to Qatar 2023 continues.

Test Your Knowledge - Round 1

Sat, 14 Oct, 2023

Test Your Knowledge - Round 1

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is less than three months away with the cast of 24 teams cranking up their preparations.

As we eagerly await the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon on January 12, 2024, we invite you - the fans - to test your AFC Asian Cup knowledge, beginning with the early years of the continental showpiece.