Kuala Lumpur, 21 December 2025 – The Asian Football Confederation is advancing plans to introduce a new Nations League competition for National Teams, signaling a significant step toward reshaping the international match calendar in Asia. The initiative is intended to provide federations across the continent with a clearer, more sustainable structure for international fixtures and greater opportunities for development.
The proposal aligns with the ongoing transformation in Asian club competitions, where reforms have targeted improved scheduling, competitive balance, and a long-term growth model. Similar principles are expected to guide the new national-team competition, which aims to ensure that international windows are used more effectively.
In recent years, Asian national teams have struggled to secure consistent, high-quality opponents within the FIFA match windows due to rising travel costs, scheduling difficulties, and limited availability. These obstacles have reduced the competitive value of friendly matches and prompted calls for a coordinated regional solution.
After internal review and consultation, AFC leadership has expressed support for a league-style system that groups teams into tiers, ensuring more balanced matchups and regular competitive fixtures. The proposed AFC Nations League would offer clearly defined pathways for progression, centralised organisation to manage logistics and cost, and a stable international calendar that Member Associations can rely on.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John welcomed the direction, noting that the Confederation aims to provide its 47 Member Associations with stronger competitive access and structured incentives. He highlighted growing commercial interest in a Nations League format, describing it as a product that appeals to fans and media partners and can elevate the value of international football in Asia.
Specific details regarding competition structure, scheduling, and rollout will be finalised following further committee review and stakeholder discussions, with official confirmation expected at a later date.
Minh Khang
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