Daily Football News from Asia, Australia and the Middle East

As the 2025-26 season progresses amid preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and various continental tournaments, the last day has seen administrative rulings, international draws, and national team milestones across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. With the AFC Champions League Two advancing and youth competitions taking shape, here's a summary of the major developments from February 16-17, 2026, including match recaps, upcoming fixtures, club and international action, and national team news.

AFC Champions League Two: Tampines Rovers Boosted by Forfeit Ruling

In a significant twist in the AFC Champions League Two round of 16, Singapore's BG Tampines Rovers have been awarded a 3-0 victory over Vietnam's Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) for the first leg, originally played on February 11. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled on February 17 that CAHN fielded two ineligible players—Stefan Mauk and Jeferson Elias—who were suspended due to accumulated yellow cards from the group stage. This overturns CAHN's on-field 4-0 win, giving Tampines a strong advantage heading into the second leg on February 18 at Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

CAHN head coach Alexandré Pölking accepted responsibility for the administrative error but called for improved communication from the AFC to prevent future issues. The winner of this tie will advance to the quarter-finals, with the tournament continuing through to its conclusion in May.

Youth International Draws Set Stage for 2026 Competitions

The AFC conducted draws for several youth tournaments on February 12-17, shaping the path for emerging talents. In the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, Qatar was placed in Group B alongside Japan, Indonesia, and China PR. The 16-team event, running from May 5-22, 2026, will feature intense group-stage battles.

Similarly, the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026™ draw grouped hosts China with Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar in Group A; Japan, Australia, India, and Lebanon in Group B; and North Korea, South Korea, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei in Group C. These matches will highlight Asia's future stars and serve as qualifiers for global events.

Additionally, the AFC and Olympic Council of Asia confirmed the qualification format for football at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The men's tournament will feature 16 teams from the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, while the women's will include the 12 teams from the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. ASEAN nations like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines are set to represent the region.

National Team Milestones: Jordan's World Cup Qualification and Rankings Boost

Jordan made headlines on February 15-17 with their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the first time the nation has reached the global stage. This achievement, amid the expanded 48-team format, marks a breakthrough for Middle Eastern football. The Jordanian national team also climbed 17 places in the latest FIFA rankings released on February 15, reflecting their strong recent form.

In women's football, Bangladesh's national team is gearing up for their debut in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, with head coach Peter Butler emphasizing grounded ambitions and the goal of making an impact in the prestigious tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added a personal touch to Middle Eastern football by accepting a Lebanese passport on February 17, citing his marriage to Lina al-Ashkar from Lebanon.

Australian Football: A-League Preparations and Matildas Campaign

In Australia's Isuzu UTE A-League and Ninja A-League, Football Australia announced match official appointments for Rounds 17 and 10 on February 16-17. Key fixtures include Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Newcastle Jets on February 13 (women's) and a rescheduled Sydney FC vs. Auckland FC on February 17 (men's). These games continue the domestic season's momentum ahead of the World Cup break.

Football Australia launched a new campaign for the CommBank Matildas titled "This Is How We Waltz – 'Til it's Done," reprising their rallying cry. Filmed during a November 2025 series against New Zealand, it aims to build excitement for upcoming internationals, including the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup where Matildas great Lydia Williams will receive the Alex Tobin Medal.

Other Regional Notables

In Gaza, the first football tournament in years kicked off on February 16, utilizing the region's few remaining pitches amid ongoing challenges—a symbol of resilience in Palestinian football.

A troubling incident in Turkey's Malatya 1st Amateur League saw a fan throw a scooter at assistant referee Hakan Başkurt during a match between Darendespor and Hekimhan Belediyesi Girmana Spor on February 15, leading to the game's abandonment.

In the UAE, Al Hamriyah Club opened registration for their annual Ramadan Football Championship on February 17, inviting teams for the community event starting in March.

Veteran manager Harry Redknapp reflected on football's evolution in a February 17 interview, highlighting growing opportunities in the Middle East and the tight scheduling around the 2026 World Cup.

With the World Cup qualifiers intensifying and club competitions heating up, these regions continue to contribute to football's global narrative. Look out for the AFC Champions League Two second legs and upcoming domestic fixtures this week.