Popovic not ruling out unexpected call-ups for Socceroos

Wed, 15 Jan, 2025

Popovic not ruling out unexpected call-ups for Socceroos

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic has not ruled out making further unexpected additions to his Socceroos squad when the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 resume in March as the nation continues the chase for automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

The Australians are currently second in Group C in the quest for a place at the 2026 finals in North America on seven points with four matches remaining in the third phase of the Qualifiers, holding a one-point advantage over the chasing pack after six matches.

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Kluivert hopes to take Indonesia to World Cup

Mon, 13 Jan, 2025

Kluivert hopes to take Indonesia to World Cup

Jakarta: Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert on Sunday said he aims to take football-mad Indonesia to their first FIFA World Cup since independence, as he was officially unveiled as their new head coach.

The Dutchman replaces Korea Republic's Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Southeast Asian team.

#AFCU17 draw to determine Saudi Arabia 2025 battles

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

#AFCU17 draw to determine Saudi Arabia 2025 battles

Kuala Lumpur: The stage for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 will be set on Thursday, January 23 when the Final Draw takes place at 3pm at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

Following the conclusion of the Qualifiers last October, 42 teams were whittled down to 15 that will go into the hat for the draw alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, who will stage the tournament for a second time after first doing so in 1992.

Cryzan takes #ACLElite MD3 (East) best goal honour

Wed, 15 Jan, 2025

Cryzan takes #ACLElite MD3 (East) best goal honour

Kuala Lumpur: Cryzan's effort for Shandong Taishan FC against Yokohama F. Marinos has been voted as the best goal of Matchday Three (East) of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

The Brazilian forward received almost 55 percent of the votes to finish ahead of his four challengers to advance to the semi-finals.

Feast your eyes on the five goals that were nominated for Matchday Three of the East Zone and check out the results at the bottom.

Voting for Matchday Four of the West Zone kicks off on Friday.

Europe Wrap: Boyle, Furuhashi take the spotlight

Tue, 14 Jan, 2025

Europe Wrap: Boyle, Furuhashi take the spotlight

Kuala Lumpur: Australian international Martin Boyle claimed his second brace in a row for Hibernian while Japanese star Kyogo Furuhashi’s double leaves Celtic sitting pretty at the top of the Scottish Premiership. 

Japan’s Koki Ogawa and Shunsuke Mito also left their mark in the Dutch league with a goal apiece while the rest of the Asian contingent put their best foot forward in the Italian, German and French leagues as well as the English FA Cup. 

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia's finest have been up to in Europe this past week.

Korea Republic’s Koo announces retirement

Tue, 14 Jan, 2025

Korea Republic’s Koo announces retirement

Seoul: Former Korea Republic captain Koo Ja-cheol has announced his retirement after a 17-year playing career that saw him become one of Asia’s shining stars in world football.

Capped 76 times for the Taegeuk Warriors, Koo was instrumental in leading Korea Republic to a runners-up finish at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup™ as well as the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.

Sekine joins Ito and Nakamura at Reims

Tue, 14 Jan, 2025

Sekine joins Ito and Nakamura at Reims

Kashiwa: J1 League side Kashiwa Reysol have announced the transfer of defender Hiroki Sekine to  French Ligue 1 side Reims.

The 22-year-old right-back was a member of Japan's Paris Olympics squad last summer and received his first senior national call-up in October.