Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Basra: Graham Arnold urged his players to remain focused after Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to seal place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-iraq-2-1-uae

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3134635

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Basra: Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Iraq over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that takes Graham Arnold’s side into the Intercontinental Playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in the return leg of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage second leg in front of a packed Basra International Stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

History-makers Singapore make Lee proud

Hong Kong: Gavin Lee was proud with his players ability to respond after Singapore secured a return to the AFC Asian Cup™ by defeating Hong Kong, China 2-1 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.

The victory meant the Southeast Asian side booked their spot in the Finals on merit for the first time, with their only previous appearance as hosts of the 1984 edition, and Lee said it was achieved as his players continued to believe despite going a goal down.

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.

Cuadrat urges Philippines to finish the job

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Cuadrat urges Philippines to finish the job

Male: Head coach Carles Cuadrat expressed mixed feelings after the Philippines defeated Maldives 2-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group A tie on Tuesday.

While the victory kept the Southeast Asian side very much in the race for a ticket to the Finals, Tajikistan lead the standings on goal difference after their 7-1 victory against Timor-Leste, with the sides tied on 13 points and to meet on March 31 in Dushanbe.

Wins for Japan, Korea Republic

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Wins for Japan, Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Japan defeated Bolivia, Korea Republic beat Ghana while Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran drew 0-0 in international friendlies played on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, also preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Algeria, Jordan drew with Mali, while Australia went down 3-0 against Colombia.