AFC

 Afghanistan

The Afghanistan national football team is controlled by the Afghanistan Football Federation (A.F.F.), which was founded in 1922. The Lions of Khorasan joined FIFA in 1948 and were one of the founding members of the AFC in 1954.

Afghanistan is part of the CAFA and is currently ranked 150 by FIFA and 41 by the AFC. The team plays its home games at the Ghazi National Olympic Stadium in Kabul.

Their most capped player ever is Zohib Islam Amiri with 52 caps for his country and their top scorer is Balal Arezou with 9 goals.

Afghanistan’s current head coach is Anoush Dastgir and the side is captained by Farshad Noor.

 Australia

 Bahrain

The Bahrain national football team is controlled and regulated by the Bahrain Football Association. It was founded in 1957 and it became a member of the AFC in the same year. It became a member of FIFA in 1968.

Dilmun’s Warriors are a part of the WAFF and play their home games in the Bahrain National Stadium, located in Riffa. They are coached by Portuguese, Helio Sousa and captained by Sayed Mohammed Jaffer.

Bahrain currently holds a FIFA rank of 97 and AFC rank of 24. They won the WAFF Championship and Arabian Gulf Cup in 2019 under current Head Coach, Sousa.

Bahrain’s most capped player is Salman Isa with an incredible 156 caps to his name. The nation’s all-time top scorer is Ismail Abdul-Latif with 42.

 Bangladesh

The Bangladesh national football team is controlled by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). The BFF is in charge of the men’s and women’s national football teams and also runs the Bangladesh Premier League, the country’s top football competition.

BFF was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Dhaka. It received AFC affiliation in 1974 and FIFA affiliation after that in 1976. The Bengal Tigers are ranked 186 currently by FIFA and hold an AFC ranking of 25.

The country was one of the founding members of the SAFF that it is a part of, since 1997. The current President of the BFF is Kazi Salahuddin and the country plays its home games at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, which has a capacity of 36,000 and was built in 1954.

Bangladesh’s football team is coached by Jamie Day and the side is captained by Jamal Bhuyan. Jahid Hasan Ameli is the nation’s most capped player with 64 caps to his name and the top scorer is Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Chunnu with 17 goals.

 Bhutan

The Bhutan Football Federation is the governing body for the Bhutan national football team. It is also in charge of football in the entire country of Bhutan. It was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Thimpu.

Bhutan became an AFC affiliate in 1993 and received FIFA affiliation in 2000. It also joined the SAFF in the same year.

Bhutan Football Federation’s President is Dasho Ugyen Tsechup Dorji and Head Coach is Pema Dorji. The country’s football team has consistently been ranked as one of the worst national teams in the world.

They hold a FIFA rank of 189 out of 210 (San Marino is ranked last) and an AFC rank of 38 out of 46. The team plays its home games at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu.

The side is captained by Karma Shedrup Tshering and the country’s most capped player with 36 appearances is also their top scorer with 10 goals – Chencho Gyeltshen.

 Brunei Darussalam

The Brunei national football team is regulated by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam. The organisation was founded in 1952.

The first Brunei football team was formed in 1959 and the nation got FIFA affiliation in 1972. It joined the AFC in 1969 to be recognised by FIFA and received the AFF affiliation in 1984.

The President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam is Pg Hj Matusin Pg Hj Matasan. The team plays its home games at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The Wasps are currently ranked 191st by FIFA and 43rd by the AFC.

The Brunei head coach is K. Rajagobal and the side is captained by Faiq Bolkiah who is a member of the Brunei Royal Family. Azwan Saleh is the country’s most-capped player with 26 caps and Shah Razen Said is the all-time goals leader with 8.

 Cambodia

The Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) is in charge of football operations in Cambodia. This includes authority over the Cambodia national football team.

The Federation was founded in 1933 and joined both, the AFC and FIFA in 1954. It is a part of the AFF since 1998 as well.

The President of the FFC is Sokha Sao and the team has 2 Head Coaches in Félix Dalmás and Japanese legend, Keisuke Honda. Cambodia’s football team plays its home games at the 70,000 capacity National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The side is captained by Soeuy Visal and the country’s most-capped football player is Kouch Sokumpheak with 59 caps. Hok Sochetra is Cambodia’s all-time leading goalscorer with 20.

 China PR

The China PR national football team represents the People’s Republic of China in international football. It is governed by the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

The CFA was originally formed in 1924 and received FIFA affiliation in 1955. It joined the AFC in 1974 and is a part of the EAFF since 2002.

The President of the China FA is Chen Xuyuan and the team’s head coach is Li Tie. The side is captained by Zheng Zhi.

China holds a FIFA ranking of 75 and is #1 in the AFC rankings. The country’s most-capped player is Li Weifing with 112 caps and the top goalscorer is Hao Haidong with 41 goals.

 Chinese Taipei

The Chinese Taipei national football team is governed by the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA) for football in the Republic of China (Taiwan). The CTFA was founded in 1924 and affiliated with FIFA 30 years later, in 1954.

Chinese Taipei also become an AFC member in the same year and joined the EAFF in 2002 when the sub-confederation of the AFC was formed. Chiou I-jen is currently the President of the CTFA.

The team’s head coach is Von Ca-nhum. The football team’s current captain, Chen Po-Liang is the nation’s most-capped player and top goalscorer as well with 79 caps and 25 goals, respectively.

Chinese Taipei plays it home games at the Taipei Municipal Stadium and Kaohsiung National Stadium. The country’s football team holds a FIFA rank of 138 and an AFC rank of 39.

 Guam

The Guam Football Association is in charge of managing football in the United States territory of Guam. It was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Barrigada.

The current President of Guam FA is Valentino San Gil. Guam is one of FIFA’s smallest member associations in both, population and size.

Guam plays its home games in the Guam National Football Stadium in Hagatna. It received FIFA and AFC affiliation in 1996, and EAFF affiliation in 2002 once the organisation was formed.

Guam’s football team is currently ranked 199th by FIFA and 45th in the AFC, ahead of last-placed Pakistan.

Guam’s head coach is Karl Dodd and the side’s captain is Jason Cunliffe. The midfielder is his nation’s most-capped player as well as top scorer with 59 caps and 22 goals.

 Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) is responsible for football in Hong Kong. It is the body that controls Hong Kong’s national football teams.

The HKFA was founded in 1914 and received FIFA as well as AFC affiliation in 1954. The team is a part of the EAFF since 2002.

Timothy Fok is currently the President of the Hong Kong FA and is headquartered in Ho Man Tin. It is one of the oldest football federations in Asia.

Hong Kong plays its home games in Mong Kok Stadium, Kowloon and the Hong Kong Stadium. The team is ranked 143 by FIFA and 23 by the AFC. Hong Kong’s head coach is Mixu Paatelainen and the captain is Huang Yang.

Hong Kong’s most-capped player is Yapp Hung Fai with 76 caps and top scorer is Chan Siu Ki with 36 goals.

 India

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in charge of football in India. The India national football team represents the country in international football and is regulated and controlled by the AIFF.

The AIFF was established in 1937 in Bihar and has its headquarters in Dwarka, Delhi. India was one of the founding members of the AFC in 1954, thereby receiving AFC affiliation. India received FIFA affiliation in 1948 and co-founded the SAFF in 1997, under which it is a part of. 

The AIFF President currently is Praful Patel and the head coach of the Indian football team is Igor Stimac. India is currently ranked 104 by FIFA and 15 in the AFC rankings.

The Blue Tigers are led by India’s greatest ever football player, striker – Sunil Chhetri.

Sunil Chhetri is not only India’s captain but also the nation’s most-capped player and top goalscorer with 115 caps and 72 goals. Expect these numbers to increase in the near future as the forward is far from done.

 Indonesia

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) controls Indonesia’s national football team and football in the country of Indonesia. It was the first Asian country to participate in the FIFA World Cup, back in 1938.

PSSI was founded in 1930 and became a FIFA affiliate in 1952. It joined the AFC in 1954 and has been a part of the AFF since 1985.

Indonesia is currently ranked 173rd by FIFA and 28th by the AFC. The team plays its home games at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta.

The Indonesian football team’s head coach is Shin Tae-yong. Bambang Pamungkas (“Bepe”) has the most caps for The Garuda Team with 87.  Soetjipto Soentoro (“Gareng”) is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 43.

 IR Iran

The Iran national football team is controlled by the Iran Football Federation. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) was founded in 1920.

The nation has been a FIFA member since 1948 and joined the AFC when it was formed in 1954. It is a member of the CAFA since 2015. Before CAFA, it was a part of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) that it was a co-founder of, from 2001-2014.

Iran is currently ranked 29th in the world by FIFA, which is the 2nd highest among Asian countries. It is ranked 6th as per the AFC.

The FFIRI is headquartered in Tehran and its President is Heydar Baharvand. Team Melli’s head coach is Dragan Skočić while the side is captained by Ehsan Hajsafi.

Javad Nekounam is Iran’s most-capped player with 151 appearances and Ali Daei is Iran’s greatest-ever goalscorer with 109 goals!

Iran plays its home games at the 78,000+ capacity, Azadi Stadium, in Tehran.

 Iraq

The Iraq Football Association (IFA) is the controlling body of football in Iraq. It also runs the Iraqi Premier League.

The IFA was founded in 1948 and has been a FIFA affiliate since 1950. The IFA joined the AFC in 1970 and became a member of the WAFA in 2015.

It is headquartered in Baghdad and Eyad Al Nadawi is the current President of the organisation. Usood Al-Rafidain (Lions of Mesopotamia) plays its home games at the Basra International Stadium in Basra.

The team is currently ranked 69th in the FIFA world rankings and 9th in the AFC. Srečko Katanec is the head coach for the Iraqi national football team and the side is captained by Alaa Abdul-Zahra.

Younis Mahmoud is the nation’s most-capped player having made 148 appearances and Hussein Saeed is the all-time top scorer with 78 goals.

 Japan

The Japan Football Association (Japan FA or JFA) is the governing body responsible for the administration of football in Japan. It was established in 1921.

JFA’s headquarters are in Tokyo and the body’s President is Kozo Tashima. Japan was granted FIFA affiliation in 1929 and joined the AFC when it was formed in 1954.

Japan is a member of the EAFF as well since 2002 and plays its home games at the Japan National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

The Samurai Blue are the highest-ranked Asian team in the FIFA world rankings, currently in 27th. They are ranked 3rd in the AFC, however, behind China and Qatar.

Japan’s head coach is Hajime Moriyasu and the team is captained by the experienced, Maya Yoshida who made over 150 appearances for Southampton in the Premier League before moving to the Serie A to play for Sampdoria.

Yasuhito Endō still holds the record for most caps for Japan with 152 appearances whereas  Kunishige Kamamoto is the all-time leading scorer with 75 goals.

 Jordan

Jordan national football team represents its nation in international football and is controlled by the Jordan Football Association (JFA). The JFA was awarded AFC’s best association award in 2013.

The JFA was founded in 1949. It became a FIFA member in 1956 and joined the AFC in 1975. It is also a part of the WAFF since 2015.

Jordan’s FA is headquartered in Amman and the President of the body is Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein. The Chivalrous are known as the dark horses of football and are currently ranked 95th in the world as per FIFA whereas the AFC has Jordan ranked at #12.

Jordan plays its home games at the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah II Stadium. Vital Borkelmans is currently the head coach for the Jordanians.

Captain and goalkeeper, Amer Shafi is Jordan’s most capped player having 175 appearances so far. Hassan Abdel-Fattah and Badran Al-Shaqran are the all-time joint top scorers for Jordan with 30 goals each.

 Korea DPR

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea national football team is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association (PRKFA). The association was founded in 1945.

DPR Korea became a FIFA affiliate in 1958 and joined the AFC in 1974. It has been a part of the EAFF since 2002 as well.

The PRKFA is headquartered in Pyongyang and the President of the association is Ri Ryong-nam. The North Korea national football team’s home stadium is the Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang.

The North Korean football team is currently ranked 115th by FIFA and is 14th in the AFC rankings. The head coach is Yun Jong-su and the team is captained by Jong Il-gwan.

Ri Myong-guk has the record appearances for the North Koreans with 118 and their current captain, Jong Il-gwan leads the way with 26 goals so far for the Chollima.

 Korea Republic

The South Korea football team is controlled by the Korea Football Association (KFA). The association was founded in 1928.

The KFA is headquartered in Seoul and Chung Mong-gyu is currently the President of the organisation. South Korea was recognised by FIFA in 1948 as Korea Republic.

The Tigers of Asia joined the AFC in 1954 when it was established and is now a part of the EAFF since its formation in 2002. Korea Republic’s home ground is the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The Taegeuk Warriors are one of the strongest teams in Asia having qualified for 9 consecutive FIFA World Cups and 10 overall, which is the most for any Asian country.

South Korea ranks 38th in the world as per FIFA (3rd in Asia) and AFC has the country in 5th. Paulo Bento is the head coach and Premier League star, Son Heung-min, is the captain of the side.

Son is one of the best players not only in the Premier League but also in European football. Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo are the most capped players for South Korea with 136 appearances each. Cha Bum-Kun is also the all-time top scorer for the Koreans with 58 goals.

 Kuwait

Kuwait’s national football team is managed by the Kuwait Football Association. It was founded in 1952 and is in charge of football in the country.

Al-Azraq (The Blue Wave) became a member of both, FIFA and AFC in 1964. It also joined the WAFF in 2010. Kuwait FA is headquartered in Kuwait City and Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Al-Sabah is the President of the association.

Kuwait is currently ranked 148th by FIFA and 34th in the AFC. The team plays its home games at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

The national football team is coached by Andres Carrasco Carrillo. Bader Al-Mutawa currently holds the record for most appearances for Kuwait with 179 caps while Bashar Abdullah is the country’s all-time top scorer with 75 goals to his name.

 Kyrgyz Republic

The Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic (FFKR) is in charge of football operations in Kyrgyzstan. It was established in 1992 and is also referred to as the Kyrgyz Football Union.

FFKR is headquartered in Bishkek and Kanatbek Mamatov is the President of the organisation. The Kyrgyz Republic joined FIFA in 1994.

Kyrgyzstan also joined the AFC in the same year after being an associate member in 1993. It is also a part of the CAFA since 2015.

The White Falcons are currently ranked 96th in the world by FIFA and 33rd as per AFC. The team is captained by Valery Kichin and Aleksandr Krestinin is the head coach of the national squad.

Vadim Kharchenko has the most caps for the Kyrgyzstanis with 51 and Anton Zemlianukhin has netted the most goals for the nation with 13.

 Laos

The Lao Football Federation is in charge of football operations in the country of Laos. It is the governing body of football and is responsible for the Laos national football team.

The federation was established in 1951 and it received FIFA membership soon after in 1952. The nation joined the AFC in 1968 before joining the AFF in 1996.

Viphet Sihachakr is currently the President of the federation and the football team plays its home games in the New Laos National Stadium.

V. Sundramoorthy is the Laos head coach and the national squad is captained by Soukaphone Vongchiengkham. The country is ranked 188th by FIFA and 35th by the AFC.

Laos’ Visay Phaphouvanin holds the record for the most caps and goals with 51 appearances and 18 goals, respectively for his nation.

 Lebanon

The Lebanon national football team is controlled by the Lebanese Football Association (LFA). It has been in charge of football operations in the country since its establishment in 1933.

Lebanon got FIFA affiliation in 1936 and joined the AFC in 1964. It is also a member of the WAFF since 2001, which it was a founding member of alongside Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Syria.

The LFA is headquartered in Beirut and Hachem Haidar is the current President of the association. The Cedars play their home games at the Camille Chamoun Sports City (CCSC) Stadium in Beirut.

The Lebanese are ranked 92nd by FIFA and 21st by the AFC.

The side is coached by Jamal Taha and captained by the country’s greatest-ever player – Hassan Maatouk. He has the most appearances and goals for his nation with 85 caps and 21 goals so far.

 Macau

Macau’s national football team was formed in 1939 when the Macau Football Association was established. The Macau Football Association is the governing body for football in the country.

Macau received both, FIFA and AFC affiliation in 1978, followed by EAFF affiliation in 2002. The current President of Macau Football Association is Cheung Lup Kwan.

The Greens are ranked 182 in the world by FIFA and 32 by the AFC. They play their home games at the Estádio Campo Desportivo in Taipa.

The Lotus Team is captained by La Ka Seng and the head coach is Iong Cho Ieng. Cheang Cheng Ieong has the most caps for the country with 49 while Chan Kin Seng is the all-time leading goalscorer with 17 goals.

 Malaysia

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is responsible for football in Malaysia. The organisation was founded in 1933.

FA Malaysia received FIFA and AFC affiliation in 1954. It joined the AFF in 1984 as a co-founder of the body. FAM’s current President is Hamidin Mohd Amin.

Malaysia’s football team is currently ranked 153 by FIFA and 18th by the AFC. The national side plays its home games at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The Head Coach of the Malayan Tigers is Tan Cheng Hoe and the side’s captain is Aidil Zafuan. Soh Chin Aun is Malaysia’s most-capped player with a staggering 252 appearances and Mokhtar Dahari has an impressive 85 goals for his country to lead the all-time list.

 Maldives

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) was founded in 1982 and runs the football operations in the Maldives. It has been set up under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth & Sports in the nation.

Maldives became a FIFA and AFC affiliate in 1986 and joined the SAFF in 1997 as a founding member. Hussain Jawaz is the Secretary of the Football Association of Maldives and the association is headquartered in Male (FAM House).

The Red Snappers play their home games at the National Football Stadium in Male. The side is ranked 155 in the world by FIFA and AFC has them at 26.

Maldives’ national football team is coached by Martin Koopman. Imran Mohamed is the nation’s most capped player with 109 appearances and the all-time leading goalscorer is Ali Ashfaq with 53 goals.

 Mongolia

The Mongolian Football Federation (MFF) is in charge of football operations in Mongolia. It was founded in 1959 and controls the Mongolian national football team.

Mongolia became a member of both – FIFA and the AFC in 1998. It also joined the EAFF in 2002, the year it was founded. The Federation is headquartered in Ulaanbaatar and Ganbaatar Amgalanbaatar is the President of the organisation.

The Blue Wolves are ranked 190th by FIFA and 40th by the AFC. The Mogolians play their home games at MFF Football Centre in Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia’s head coach is Rastislav Božik and the team is captained by Norjmoogiin Tsedenbal. Lümbengarav Donorov and Bayasgalangiin Garidmagnai have the most caps with 35 each for their country. Donorov also is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 8, tied with Nyam-Osor Naranbold.

 Myanmar

The Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) runs football operations in the country of Myanmar. It oversees the Burmese men’s national team, the women’s national team, and youth national teams as well as national football championships and professional club competitions.

The MFF was founded in 1947 and has its headquarters in Yangon. The President of the MFF is Zaw Zaw. The MFF became a FIFA member in 1952 and joined the AFC when it was formed in 1954. It is a part of AFF since 1996.

Mynmar’s home stadium is the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. The team is currently ranked 137 by FIFA and 27 by the AFC.

The men’s national football team is captained by Zaw Min Tun who has the most caps with 75 so far. Antoine Hey is the team’s head coach and Myo Hlaing Win is the country’s all-time top scorer with 36 goals.

 Nepal

The Nepal national football team represents Nepal in international football and is controlled/governed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). ANFA was founded in 1951.

Nepal became a FIFA member in 1972 but joined the AFC in 1954 itself. It become a SAFF in 1997 as a co-founder. 

ANFA headquarters are in Lalitpur and Karma Tsering Sherpa is the President currently. The Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu is where the national team plays its home games.

The team is currently ranked 171 by FIFA and 36 in the AFC. Kiran Chemjong is the captain of the national team and Bal Gopal Maharjan is the head coach.

Hari Khadka and Nirajan Rayamajhi are the all-time top goalscorers with 13 each for Nepal while Biraj Maharjan is the most-capped playerwith 75 appearances to his name.

 Oman

The Oman Football Association controls football in Oman. It was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Khoudh.

Oman became a FIFA member in 1978 itself after it was founded and joined the AFC 2 years later in 1980. It joined the WAFF in 2010.

The current President of the Oman Football Association is Sheikh Salem Said Salem Al Wahaibi and the football team plays its matches at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat.

Al Ahmar (The Reds) are currently ranked 82 by FIFA and 29 by the AFC. The Samba Al-Khaleej are captained by Ahmed Mubarak who has 180 appearances so far, which is the most for the country.

Oman’s head coach is Branko Ivankovic and their all-time top scorer is Hani Al-Dhabit with 43 goals to his name.

 Pakistan

Pakistan’s national football team is regulated and controlled by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). It was established in 1954.

The PFF is headquartered at the FIFA Football House in Lahore and the team plays its home games at the Ian Rush Stadium in Lahore as well.

Pakistan joined FIFA in 1948 and the AFC in 1954 when it was formed. It was a founding member of the SAFF in 1997, which it has been a part of ever since.

The Pure Falcons are captained by Zesh Rehman and the team is coached by Jose Antonio Nogueira. Jaffar Khan is Pakistan’s most-capped player with 44 appearances and Muhammad Essa is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 13 goals.

They are currently ranked 200 in the world by FIFA making them the 2nd lowest-ranked Asian football team. The AFC has them dead last at 46.

 Palestine

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is the governing body and controller of football in Palestine. It was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Jerusalem.

Palestine received FIFA membership in 1998 along with AFC affiliation in the same year. It was a founding member of the WAFF in 2000 and has been a part of it since then.

The Lions of Canaan play their home games at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem. Noureddine Ould Ali is the team’s head coach while Fahed Attal is the nation’s all-time top goalscorer.

Abdelatif Bahdari is the captain of the Palestinian side and he also has the most caps for The Knights with 74 appearances. Palestine is ranked 102 by FIFA and 30 by the AFC.

 Philippines

The Philippines Football Federation (PFF) is in charge of football operations in the Philippines and was established as the Philippine Amateur Football Association (PAFA) in 1907. It is one of the oldest football associations in Asia.

PFF is headquartered in Pasig, Metropolitan Manila and Mariano Araneta is the President of the federation currently. It became a FIFA member in 1930 and was a founding member of the AFC in 1954. It is also a part of the AFF since 1984, which it was a founding member of.

The Philippines national football team plays its home games at the Panaad Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod. The team is currently ranked 124 by FIFA and 13 by the AFC.

The Azkals are captained by Stephan Schröck while the most-capped player is Phil Younghusband with 108 appearances. Younghusband is also the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 52.

 Qatar

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) controls football in the country of Qatar. It was established in 1960. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Thani is the current President of the association.

Qatar became a FIFA member in 1972 and joined the AFC in 1974. It is one of the 12 countries that is a part of the WAFF.

Felix Sanchez Bas is the head coach of The Maroons and the side is captained by Hassan Al-Haydos who is the nation’s most capped player with 135 appearances so far. Mubarak Mustafa is the leading goalscorer with 41 to his name for Qatar.

Qatar holds a FIFA ranking of 58 currently and is 2nd on the AFC list. The team plays its home games at the Khalifa International Stadium and the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (the Qatar home stadium), both in Doha.

 Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, one of Asia’s most successful football teams, is controlled and governed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). It was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Riyadh.

The country received FIFA affiliation in the same year the SAFF was founded and joined the AFC in 1972. It is also a part of the WAFF since 2010. The current President of the SAFF is Yasser Al Misehal.

The Green Falcons are currently ranked 67 by FIFA and are 4th in the AFC rankings list. Herve Richard is the national team’s head coach and Salman Al-Faraj is the captain.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Al-Deayea is the country’s most-capped player with 178 appearances and Majed Abdullah is the all-time top scorer with 72 goals.

 Singapore

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is the controller of football in Singapore. It was founded in 1892 as the Singapore Football Association, making it the oldest Asian football association. Lim Kia Tong is the current President of the association.

Singapore became a FIFA member in 1952 and joined the AFC when it was formed in 1954. It has been a part of the AFF since 1984 as well.

The Lions are currently ranked 158 by FIFA and 19 by the AFC. The head coach of The Lions is Tatsuma Yoshida and the captain is Hariss Harun.

Daniel Bennett is the nation’s most-capped player with 145 appearances and Fandi Ahmed is the all-time leader for goals scored with 55. Singapore plays its home games at the National Stadium and the Jalan Besar Stadium.

 Sri Lanka

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) is the controlling authority for football in the island nation of Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Independence Avenue, Colombo. Anura de Silva is the current President of the body.

FFSL became a full-time FIFA member in 1952 and an AFC member with its formation in 1954. It is a member of the SAFF since 1997, which it is a founding member of. Sri Lanka’s home grounds are the Colombo Racecourse, Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo and Kalutara Stadium in Kalutara.

Sri Lanka is one of the lowest-ranked teams in the world at 206 (San Marino is last in 210). It is the lowest-ranked Asian team in the FIFA rankings. The Lankans are, however, ranked 37 of 46 in the AFC.

The Golden Lion head coach is Amir Alagić and Ediri Bandanage Channa is the most-capped player with 62 appearances. Kasun Jayasuriya is the all-time leading goalscorer with 27 goals for his country.

 Syria

The Syrian Federation for Football (FASF) is the regulatory and governing body for football in Syria. It was founded in 1936, in Damascus and Hatem Ghaeb is the current President of the federation.

Syria joined FIFA in 1937 and became a member of the AFC in 1970. It is also a founding member of the WAFF that it is a part of since 2001. The Syrian Arab Federation of Football is also a part of the UAFA (Union of Arab Football Nations) that was established in 1974, consisting of 22 countries.

FASF has appointed Nabil Maaloul as the national football team’s head coach while the side is captained by Omar Al Soma. The Qasioun Eagles play their home games at the Abbasiyyin Stadium in Damascus and the Aleppo International Stadium in Aleppo.

Maher Al-Sayed is the country’s most-capped player with 109 appearances and Firas Al Khatib is the top goalscorer with 36 goals. Syria is currently ranked 76 by FIFA and 22 by the AFC.

 Tajikistan

Tajikistan’s national football team is controlled and governed by the Tajikistan Football Federation. It was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Dushanbe.

Tajikistan joined FIFA and the AFC in 1994. It is also a member of the CAFA since 2015 and the football team plays its home games at the Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe.

The head coach of The Crowns is Usmon Toshev and the most-capped player is Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev with 68 appearances. Manuchekhr Dzhalilov is the all-time top goalscorer for The Persian Lions.

The Sons of the Highlands are ranked 121 by FIFA and 17 by the AFC. Rustam Emomali is the current President of the federation.

 Thailand

The Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) is the controller of football in Thailand since 1916 when it was founded. The current President is Somyot Poompanmoung.

FA Thailand became a FIFA member in 1925 and joined the AFC in 1954 when it was formed. It is also a member of the AFF since its formation in 1984 as a founding member. 

Thailand is currently ranked 111 by FIFA but holds a high rank under the AFC at #8. The football team plays its home games at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

The War Elephants are captained by Siwarak Tedsungnoen while Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang is the nation’s greatest ever footballer. Senamuang has the most caps for his country with 134 appearances and the most goals with 71! The side is coached by Akira Nishino, currently.

 Timor-Leste

The East Timor Football Federation (FFTL) controls football operations in Timor-Leste and was founded in 2002. Francisco MCP Jeronimo is the President of the FFTL.

Timor-Leste became a FIFA member in 2005. It was an associate member of the AFC in 2002 and became a full-time member in 2005. It has been a part of the AFF since 2004.

East Timor is currently ranked 197 by FIFA and sits in 44th in the AFC. The Little Samba Nation plays its home games at the National Stadium in Dili.

Norio Tsukitate is the head coach of the national football team and Nataniel Reis is the captain. Anggisu Barbosa is the country’s most-capped player with 30 appearances and Rufino Gama is the leading goalscorer with 7 goals.

 Turkmenistan

The Football Federation of Turkmenistan (TFF) controls and governs football in Turkmenistan. It was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Ashgabat. Purli Agamuradov is the current President of the federation.

Turkmenistan became a FIFA member in 1994 and was an associate member of the AFC in 1993. In 1994, it became a fulltime AFC member. The nation is also a part of the CAFA since 2015.

The Karakum Warriors are currently ranked 132 by FIFA and 20 by the AFC. The side plays its home games at Kopetdag Stadium in Ashgabat.

The Emerald Greens are captained by their most-capped player – Arslanmyrat Amanow who has 44 appearances for his country so far. Wladimir Baýramow is the nation’s top scorer with 16 goals.

 United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) is in charge of governing football in the UAE. It was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Rashid Humaid Al Nuaimi is the current President of the body.

The UAE became a FIFA member as well as an AFC member in 1974. It is also a part of the WAFF, which it joined in 2009.

The Sons of Zayed are coached by Bert van Marwijk. The country’s most-capped player is Adnan Al Talyani with 161 appearances and Ali Mabkhout is UAE’s all-time leading goalscorer with 65 goals.

The Whites are currently ranked 74 in the FIFA world rankings and sit in 7 as per the AFC ranking system.

 Uzbekistan

The Uzbekistan national football team is governed by the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA). It was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Tashkent. Achilbay Ramatov is the current President of the body.

Uzbekistan joined FIFA in 1994 after being an associate member of the AFC in 1993. The nation became a full member of the AFC in 1994 as well. It has been a part of the CAFA since 2015.

The head coach is Vadim Abramov and the captain is Odil Ahmedov. The Turanians’ most-capped player is Server Djeparov with 128 appearances. Maksim Shatskikh is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 34 goals.

The Huma Birds are currently ranked 85 by FIFA and sit in 10th place as per the AFC rankings. The White Wolves play their football at the Milliy Stadium and Pakhtakor Stadium, both located in the capital, Tashkent.

 Vietnam

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is in charge of football operations in Vietnam. It was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Hanoi. Lê Khánh Hải is the current President of the federation.

Vietnam became a FIFA member as South Vietnam in 1952 before becoming a member again officially as Vietnam in 1964. Even with the AFC, South Vietnam was registered as a member in 1954 before officially being recognised as Vietnam in 1964. The nation is also a member of the AFF since 1996.

The Golden Star Warriors are currently ranked 93 in the FIFA world rankings and 16 in the AFC ranking system. The national team plays its home games at the Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hanoi.

Park Hang-seo is Vietnam’s head coach and the squad is captained by Quế Ngọc Hải. Lê Công Vinh is the nation’s greatest-ever player with 83 appearances making him the most-capped player and 51 goals to lead the all-time list of goalscorers for Vietnam as well.

 Yemen

The Yemen Football Association (YFA) is the governing body for football in the country of Yemen. It is headquartered in Sana’a and Ahmed Saleh Al-Eissi is the current President of the association.

Yemen joined FIFA as the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) in 1980. It also joined the AFC in the same year. It has been a part of UAFA since 1978 and joined the WAFF in 2009. Yemen is also a member of the GCF, which is the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) since 2016.

The Red Devils play their home games at the Althawra Sports City Stadium in Sana’a and are currently ranked 145 by FIFA. They sit in 42nd in the AFC rankings.

Sami Hasan Al Nash is the head coach of the Yemen national football team and the side is captained by Ala Al-Sasi who is the nation’s most capped player with 87 appearances so far. Ali Al-Nono is Yemen’s all-time leader in goals scored with 29.