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Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece. 

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.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan are all set to make their long desired FIFA World Cup debut, with the White Wolves set to unveil their style of football on the global stage in a matter of days.

Three-and-a-half decades after they gained independence and with seven, often heartbreaking, failed qualification campaigns in their wake, Uzbekistan have finally reached the promised land.

Shomurodov, Khusanov in the limelight as Cannavaro names strong Uzbekistan squad

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Shomurodov, Khusanov in the limelight as Cannavaro names strong Uzbekistan squad

Edmonton: Head coach Fabio Cannavaro went for the tried and trusted in naming the Uzbekistan squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

The Central Asian nation, who will be making their debut on the global stage, will feature in a tough but exciting Group K.

Continent’s finest set for Qatar 2026

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Continent’s finest set for Qatar 2026

Zurich:  Asia's hopefuls discovered their road to glory following the conclusion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 Draw in Zurich on Thursday.

The 48-team tournament will be contested on November 19 to December 13, with Asia represented by nine sides.

Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Japan head coach Shingi Ono praised his players’ mentality and courage after they fought back to defeat defending champions Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in a pulsating AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Japan looked set for elimination after trailing for much of the contest before Chimezie Kai Ezemuokwe’s stoppage-time equaliser forced the tie to penalties, where goalkeeper Kosei Oshita emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks.

#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Jeddah: Goalkeeper Kosei Oshita starred as Japan edged defending champions Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Japan had scored in the final seconds to force a 1-1 draw, with Oshita saving the first two Uzbekistan spot-kicks only for the Central Asian side to draw level at 2-2. 

With his side having missed their third and fourth attempts, captain Anthony Motosuna stepped up to convert the winner as Japan set up a final against either China PR or Australia on Friday. 

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Tue, 19 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Preview - S-final: Japan v Uzbekistan

Jeddah:  It will be a clash between familiar foes when Japan take on Uzbekistan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ semi-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Tuesday.

Both sides are in excellent form - setting up a compelling contest for a place in the final.

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing

Jeddah: Japan’s Anthony Motosuna and Mukhammad Khakimov of Uzbekistan will be key figures when their sides meet in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals  on Tuesday.

Having shown their quality in the run-up to the penultimate stage, both players are aiming to reach the final under different motivations and ambitions.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/afcu17-q-final-uzbekistan-2-5-3-2-korea-republic

#AFCU17 - Q-final: Uzbekistan 2 (5-3) 2 Korea Republic

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Q-final: Uzbekistan 2 (5-3) 2 Korea Republic

Jeddah: Uzbekistan overcame Korea Republic 5-3 on penalties in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-final at the King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch C on Saturday.

With the score level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, substitute goalkeeper Mehrojbek Sirojiddinov emerged Uzbekistan’s hero in the shootout, denying Park Kyung-hoon to send his team into a semi-final against four-time champions Japan on Tuesday.