Asian Qualifiers - Landing Page (AR)2

الأخبار

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr, 2026

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 Asian match officials have been appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – six more than in the 2022 edition of the global showpiece.

In a landmark achievement for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) sterling efforts in developing elite refereeing talent, the upcoming tournament will mark the first-ever appointment of an AFC Referee Academy graduate in Abdullah Alshehri, who was selected as a Video Match Official (VMO).

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Monterrey: Graham Arnold expects Iraq to take the FIFA World Cup 2026 by storm after the West Asian nation confirmed qualification with a 2-1 win against Bolivia in their playoff on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein netted the winner in the 53rd minute after Moises Paniagua had cancelled out Ali Al Hamadi's 10th minute opener as Iraq sealed a return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago.

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece. 

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Sun, 29 Mar, 2026

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Monterrey: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will not hold back against Bolivia when the sides meet in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff on Tuesday.

At stake is a spot in Group I of the global showpiece alongside France, Norway and Senegal, with Iraq seeking a return to the Finals for the first time since making their debut in 1986.

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic will look to use the Socceroos’ hosting of this month’s FIFA Series to re-establish a positive mood within his squad as the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues in earnest.

The Australians will face African powerhouse Cameroon in Sydney on Friday before travelling to Melbourne to take on fellow FIFA World Cup qualifiers Curaçao in one of the last remaining warm-up matches ahead of the Finals in June and July.

Australia have been drawn to play co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and one of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania in Group D at the 48-nation Finals with Popovic ready to ramp up preparations in the coming weeks.

Indonesia name Herdman as head coach

Sat, 03 Jan, 2026

Indonesia name Herdman as head coach

Jakarta: Former Canada coach John Herdman has been named the new head coach of Indonesia, the PSSI confirmed on Saturday.
 

The 50-year-old Englishman previously led Canada’s women’s team to the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016 before qualifying the country’s men’s team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, their first appearance at the finals in 36 years.

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

Draw: What they said

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Draw: What they said

Washington: Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw revealed the challenges Asia’s finest will face in the expanded global showpiece next summer.

It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.

The-AFC.com listened to what they had to say.

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Washington: Asia's representatives learnt their FIFA World Cup 2026 challengers following the conclusion of the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday.

The 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups for the global showpiece which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11-July 19, 2026.

Final draw: All you need to know

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Final draw: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be held on Friday and it promises to be a spectacular affair.

The expanded 48-team tournament - up from the 32-nation field that competed at the FIFA World Cup 2022 - will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 next year.

With Asia set to be well represented, the-AFC.com brings you all the details of the Final Draw.

الصور

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr, 2026

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 Asian match officials have been appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – six more than in the 2022 edition of the global showpiece.

In a landmark achievement for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) sterling efforts in developing elite refereeing talent, the upcoming tournament will mark the first-ever appointment of an AFC Referee Academy graduate in Abdullah Alshehri, who was selected as a Video Match Official (VMO).

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Monterrey: Graham Arnold expects Iraq to take the FIFA World Cup 2026 by storm after the West Asian nation confirmed qualification with a 2-1 win against Bolivia in their playoff on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein netted the winner in the 53rd minute after Moises Paniagua had cancelled out Ali Al Hamadi's 10th minute opener as Iraq sealed a return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago.

Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Hisor: Head coach Goran Stevanovic hailed Tajikistan’s collective spirit after his side sealed qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, stressing that unity and belief proved decisive in a hard-fought campaign.

A tense 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their final Group A qualifying tie at the Hisor Central Stadium on Tuesday sent Tajikistan through, with Sheriddin Boboev’s first-half equaliser securing the crucial point. 

The result saw both teams finishing on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing with a superior goal difference.

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece. 

Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Bangkok: Anthony Hudson was a relieved man after Thailand dug deep to overcome Turkmenistan 2-1 to advance to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following a pulsating tie at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday.

Thailand were staring at elimination with the score tied at 1-1 as Turkmenistan held the better head-to-head record having won the reverse fixture 3-1 but Manuel Bihr’s 89th minute goal turned agony into ecstasy for the War Elephants.

AFC President congratulates teams on sealing AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ berths

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

AFC President congratulates teams on sealing AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ berths

Kuala Lumpur: Following a gripping series of matches in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round on Tuesday, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the five nations that secured their places for the Continental showpiece, which will be held from January 7 to February 5 next year.

Tajikistan topped Group A on goal difference, whilst Thailand clinched pole position in Group D on the final matchday to join history-makers Singapore, Syria and Vietnam, who had previously confirmed their status in earlier rounds.

Qualifiers - Group E: Syria 5-1 Afghanistan

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Qualifiers - Group E: Syria 5-1 Afghanistan

Al Ahsa: Syria completed a sterling AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group E campaign with a 5-1 win against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Having gone into the match with qualification already secured, the victory took Syria to 18 points while Afghanistan finished on two. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/photo/group-e-pakistan-v-myanmar-syria-v-afghanistan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/photo/group-a-maldives-v-timor-leste-tajikistan-v-philippines

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Tajikistan and Thailand booked their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after topping their respective groups in the final round of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Tajikistan took the Group A top spot after coming from behind to force a 1-1 draw with the Philippines, with the Central Asian side advancing thanks to a superior goal difference.

Thailand left it late in their Group D decider against Turkmenistan, with the Southeast Asian side scoring in the 89th minute to clinch a 2-1 win.

Tajikistan and Thailand join Singapore (Group C), Syria (Group E) and Vietnam (Group F) at the Finals, which will also feature the 18 teams from the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. The team from Group B, meanwhile, will be decided in June with Lebanon and Yemen to square off for the top spot.

Qualifiers - Group A: Tajikistan 1-1 Philippines

Tue, 31 Mar, 2026

Qualifiers - Group A: Tajikistan 1-1 Philippines

Hisor: Sheriddin Boboev’s first half strike secured Tajikistan a vital 1-1 draw with the Philippines as the Central Asian side booked their spot at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a top-place finish in Group A of the Final Round of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Both sides finished level on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing due to a superior goal difference as the Philippines suffered the heartbreak of missing out.   

الفيديو

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr, 2026

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 Asian match officials have been appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – six more than in the 2022 edition of the global showpiece.

In a landmark achievement for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) sterling efforts in developing elite refereeing talent, the upcoming tournament will mark the first-ever appointment of an AFC Referee Academy graduate in Abdullah Alshehri, who was selected as a Video Match Official (VMO).

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Monterrey: Graham Arnold expects Iraq to take the FIFA World Cup 2026 by storm after the West Asian nation confirmed qualification with a 2-1 win against Bolivia in their playoff on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein netted the winner in the 53rd minute after Moises Paniagua had cancelled out Ali Al Hamadi's 10th minute opener as Iraq sealed a return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago.

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece. 

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Sun, 29 Mar, 2026

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Monterrey: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will not hold back against Bolivia when the sides meet in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff on Tuesday.

At stake is a spot in Group I of the global showpiece alongside France, Norway and Senegal, with Iraq seeking a return to the Finals for the first time since making their debut in 1986.

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic will look to use the Socceroos’ hosting of this month’s FIFA Series to re-establish a positive mood within his squad as the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues in earnest.

The Australians will face African powerhouse Cameroon in Sydney on Friday before travelling to Melbourne to take on fellow FIFA World Cup qualifiers Curaçao in one of the last remaining warm-up matches ahead of the Finals in June and July.

Australia have been drawn to play co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and one of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania in Group D at the 48-nation Finals with Popovic ready to ramp up preparations in the coming weeks.

Indonesia name Herdman as head coach

Sat, 03 Jan, 2026

Indonesia name Herdman as head coach

Jakarta: Former Canada coach John Herdman has been named the new head coach of Indonesia, the PSSI confirmed on Saturday.
 

The 50-year-old Englishman previously led Canada’s women’s team to the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016 before qualifying the country’s men’s team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, their first appearance at the finals in 36 years.

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

Draw: What they said

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Draw: What they said

Washington: Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw revealed the challenges Asia’s finest will face in the expanded global showpiece next summer.

It was a draw which had everything and the Asian teams were understandably excited as they began to lay plans for their respective sides.

The-AFC.com listened to what they had to say.

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Sat, 06 Dec, 2025

Asia's hopefuls discover challengers

Washington: Asia's representatives learnt their FIFA World Cup 2026 challengers following the conclusion of the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on Friday.

The 48 teams were drawn into 12 groups for the global showpiece which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States on June 11-July 19, 2026.

Final draw: All you need to know

Wed, 03 Dec, 2025

Final draw: All you need to know

Kuala Lumpur: The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be held on Friday and it promises to be a spectacular affair.

The expanded 48-team tournament - up from the 32-nation field that competed at the FIFA World Cup 2022 - will be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 next year.

With Asia set to be well represented, the-AFC.com brings you all the details of the Final Draw.