Asian football federations are undergoing a major shake-up following a disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign. Top officials and coaches are resigning after teams secured only three wins in 29 matches, highlighting a significant performance gap.
Asian football teams continue to struggle at the World Cup, with Japan eliminated by Brazil in Houston. The day's major upset saw Paraguay defeat Germany on penalties in Boston, leaving Australia as the last Asian Football Confederation side with a chance to reach the quarter-finals.
Despite a record nine AFC teams qualifying for the expanded World Cup, only Australia and Japan reached the knockout rounds, winning just three of 27 group games, highlighting a gap in Asian football compared to African teams' success.
Yuto Nagatomo, a 39-year-old Japanese defender, has made history as the first Asian footballer to play in five FIFA World Cups, achieving this milestone at the 2026 tournament. His career began in 2010.
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- Asia's football governing body has expressed its hope t...
The Korea Football Association has announced that North Korea's Naegohyang Women’s FC intends to compete in a tournament held in South Korea, with officials preparing for necessary government approvals.
The Korea Football Association has confirmed that Naegohyang Women's FC (North Korea) has expressed intention to participate in an upcoming tournament in South Korea. The KFA stated it will proceed with necessary government approval procedures and ensure the team's safety and welfare. If the team advances to the finals, they will remain in South Korea for the final match.
Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee have asked the Asian Football Confederation for clarity on whether they will be promoted to the revamped AFC Champions League Elite for 2026-27. The AFC proposed expanding the competition from 24 to 32 teams, creating uncertainty. Kitchee, who secured the domestic title with four matches to spare last month, expected to compete in the secondary AFC Champions League Two. Head coach Inigo Calderon said the situation is not clear and called for a prompt decision.
Chinese referee Ma Ning remained in Saudi Arabia despite claims on Tuesday that he had been removed from the AFC Champions League Elite tournament following a controversial quarter-final performance. Reports from Saudi Arabia media alleged that Ma was dropped and had left the country after Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 loss to Japanese team Machida Zelvia on Friday in Jeddah. Chinese media Beijing Youth Daily, however, rebutted the report the same day, stating that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)...
