Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore.

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article.

Endo worry for Japan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Endo worry for Japan

Nashville: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving head coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.

The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

New York: Uzbekistan suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in a closed-door FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at Icahn Stadium on Monday, with Cody Gakpo converting a decisive penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.

Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.

Focus: Group K

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group K

London: Cristiano Ronaldo heads to a record sixth FIFA World Cup blessed with a prodigiously talented group of teammates as Portugal target glory for the first time on the global stage.

Roberto Martinez's side are strong favourites to progress from Group K where they face DR Congo and tournament debutants Uzbekistan before the tricky test of Colombia.

Focus: Group L

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group L

London: Thomas Tuchel is not shy about stating England's ambition to win the FIFA World Cup, with his team strongly fancied to progress from Group L, which includes old foes Croatia.

The 1966 winners, among the favourites to go all the way at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will also face Panama and Ghana in the first round.

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Tuchel was appointed in October 2024 to get England over the line after a string of near misses at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.

Jordan fall to Colombia

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Jordan fall to Colombia

San Diego: Jordan concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a 2-0 defeat against Colombia at the Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.

Jhon Arias starred with a brace to leave Jamal Sellami’s side with back-to-back defeats following their 4-1 loss to Switzerland last week.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Focus: Group J

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group J

Paris: Holders Argentina arrive at the FIFA World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title.

Only two teams – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – have won back-to-back FIFA World Cup crowns, underscoring the difficulty of the task facing Lionel Messi and his teammates.

Yet while history suggests the odds are stacked against the 2022 champions, there are grounds for believing that Argentina are more than capable of completing a rare double.

Focus: Group I

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group I

Paris: Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France arrive at this FIFA World Cup as one of the leading contenders, but the planet's top-ranked team face stiff tests against Senegal and Norway in Group I, which also features outsiders Iraq.

Les Bleus have won the FIFA World Cup twice and lost two further finals on penalties in the last seven editions, including last time in Qatar when they were beaten by Argentina in a shoot-out after Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in an epic contest.

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

San Diego: Australia head coach Tony Popovic said he was confident his side could "punch above our weight" at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a battling 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Saturday.

Dan Ndoye opened the scoring for the Swiss in the 14th minute before Australia debutant Tete Yengi levelled in the second half. It was the final warm-up for both sides for the FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

Qatar held by El Salvador

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Qatar held by El Salvador

Los Angeles: Qatar were held to a goalless draw by El Salvador in an international friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Qatar controlled the possession but could not find a way past the El Salvador defence.

Photos

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore.

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article.

Endo worry for Japan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Endo worry for Japan

Nashville: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving head coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.

The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

New York: Uzbekistan suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in a closed-door FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at Icahn Stadium on Monday, with Cody Gakpo converting a decisive penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.

Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.

Focus: Group K

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group K

London: Cristiano Ronaldo heads to a record sixth FIFA World Cup blessed with a prodigiously talented group of teammates as Portugal target glory for the first time on the global stage.

Roberto Martinez's side are strong favourites to progress from Group K where they face DR Congo and tournament debutants Uzbekistan before the tricky test of Colombia.

Focus: Group L

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group L

London: Thomas Tuchel is not shy about stating England's ambition to win the FIFA World Cup, with his team strongly fancied to progress from Group L, which includes old foes Croatia.

The 1966 winners, among the favourites to go all the way at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will also face Panama and Ghana in the first round.

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Tuchel was appointed in October 2024 to get England over the line after a string of near misses at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.

Jordan fall to Colombia

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Jordan fall to Colombia

San Diego: Jordan concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a 2-0 defeat against Colombia at the Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.

Jhon Arias starred with a brace to leave Jamal Sellami’s side with back-to-back defeats following their 4-1 loss to Switzerland last week.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Focus: Group J

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group J

Paris: Holders Argentina arrive at the FIFA World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title.

Only two teams – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – have won back-to-back FIFA World Cup crowns, underscoring the difficulty of the task facing Lionel Messi and his teammates.

Yet while history suggests the odds are stacked against the 2022 champions, there are grounds for believing that Argentina are more than capable of completing a rare double.

Focus: Group I

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group I

Paris: Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France arrive at this FIFA World Cup as one of the leading contenders, but the planet's top-ranked team face stiff tests against Senegal and Norway in Group I, which also features outsiders Iraq.

Les Bleus have won the FIFA World Cup twice and lost two further finals on penalties in the last seven editions, including last time in Qatar when they were beaten by Argentina in a shoot-out after Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in an epic contest.

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

San Diego: Australia head coach Tony Popovic said he was confident his side could "punch above our weight" at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a battling 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Saturday.

Dan Ndoye opened the scoring for the Swiss in the 14th minute before Australia debutant Tete Yengi levelled in the second half. It was the final warm-up for both sides for the FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

Qatar held by El Salvador

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Qatar held by El Salvador

Los Angeles: Qatar were held to a goalless draw by El Salvador in an international friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Qatar controlled the possession but could not find a way past the El Salvador defence.

Videos

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore.

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article.

Endo worry for Japan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Endo worry for Japan

Nashville: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving head coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.

The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

New York: Uzbekistan suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in a closed-door FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at Icahn Stadium on Monday, with Cody Gakpo converting a decisive penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.

Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.

Focus: Group K

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group K

London: Cristiano Ronaldo heads to a record sixth FIFA World Cup blessed with a prodigiously talented group of teammates as Portugal target glory for the first time on the global stage.

Roberto Martinez's side are strong favourites to progress from Group K where they face DR Congo and tournament debutants Uzbekistan before the tricky test of Colombia.

Focus: Group L

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group L

London: Thomas Tuchel is not shy about stating England's ambition to win the FIFA World Cup, with his team strongly fancied to progress from Group L, which includes old foes Croatia.

The 1966 winners, among the favourites to go all the way at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will also face Panama and Ghana in the first round.

Former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss Tuchel was appointed in October 2024 to get England over the line after a string of near misses at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.

Jordan fall to Colombia

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Jordan fall to Colombia

San Diego: Jordan concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a 2-0 defeat against Colombia at the Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.

Jhon Arias starred with a brace to leave Jamal Sellami’s side with back-to-back defeats following their 4-1 loss to Switzerland last week.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Adham Makhadmeh – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Focus: Group J

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group J

Paris: Holders Argentina arrive at the FIFA World Cup aiming to become the first team in more than half a century to successfully defend their title.

Only two teams – Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – have won back-to-back FIFA World Cup crowns, underscoring the difficulty of the task facing Lionel Messi and his teammates.

Yet while history suggests the odds are stacked against the 2022 champions, there are grounds for believing that Argentina are more than capable of completing a rare double.

Focus: Group I

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group I

Paris: Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France arrive at this FIFA World Cup as one of the leading contenders, but the planet's top-ranked team face stiff tests against Senegal and Norway in Group I, which also features outsiders Iraq.

Les Bleus have won the FIFA World Cup twice and lost two further finals on penalties in the last seven editions, including last time in Qatar when they were beaten by Argentina in a shoot-out after Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in an epic contest.

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

San Diego: Australia head coach Tony Popovic said he was confident his side could "punch above our weight" at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a battling 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Saturday.

Dan Ndoye opened the scoring for the Swiss in the 14th minute before Australia debutant Tete Yengi levelled in the second half. It was the final warm-up for both sides for the FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

Qatar held by El Salvador

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Qatar held by El Salvador

Los Angeles: Qatar were held to a goalless draw by El Salvador in an international friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday.

Qatar controlled the possession but could not find a way past the El Salvador defence.