Written by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Team
Reviewed by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Desk
Updated
October 21, 2026
Methodology
Corrections
The Asian Football Confederation has identified six players to watch ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027: Nasser Al Gahwashi (Yemen), Nguyen Quang Hai (Vietnam), Fabio Lima (UAE), Son Heung-min (Korea Republic), Ilhan Fandi (Singapore) and Aymen Hussein (Iraq).WHAT HAPPENED
AFC profiles highlight each player’s recent or historical impact. Nasser Al Gahwashi is credited with delivering one of the defining moments in Yemen’s journey to the tournament and is described as an influential midfielder as Yemen return to the continental stage. Nguyen Quang Hai is noted for bursting onto the scene at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and for becoming one of Vietnam’s foremost players. Fabio Lima is presented on the basis of an impressive scoring record and wide domestic and international experience. Son Heung-min’s profile recalls his first Asian Cup goal against India in 2011 and his status as one of Asian football’s greats. Ilhan Fandi is framed as a forward determined to build his own legacy as Singapore prepare to make their first Asian Cup appearance since 1984. Aymen Hussein is described as viewing the upcoming competition as hugely significant for him as a striker.
WHY IT MATTERS
The AFC’s selection underscores two clear sporting consequences set out in the profiles: several named players have been central to their nations’ qualification or return to the Asian Cup (notably Yemen and Singapore), while others bring established pedigree or goal-scoring credentials that could shape their teams’ campaigns. Those facts identify who the confederation believes will carry responsibility for their national sides at the tournament.
WORLDCUPSPAIN ANALYSIS
The list combines established continental stars and figures tied to national narratives. Son’s long-running continental record provides headline profile, while Al Gahwashi and Ilhan Fandi are presented as pivotal to their countries’ re-entries to the competition. Fabio Lima and Aymen Hussein are framed around goal threat and experience, and Nguyen Quang Hai is reminded of his 2019 breakthrough — together the profiles suggest the AFC expects a mix of proven performers and players carrying outsized importance for smaller or returning teams.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Each player is set to turn out for his national team at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, the tournament referenced in the AFC profiles.