Asian Qualifiers - Landing Page (AR)2

الأخبار

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

East Rutherford: It was a FIFA World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.

 

The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

East Rutherford: An emotional Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his players after they won the second FIFA World Cup in the country's history on Sunday.

The European side, despite dominating the final against Argentina, had to wait till the 16th minute of extra-time to find the only goal of the game by Ferran Torres to defeat a stubborn 10-man Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. 

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

East Rutherford: Ferran Torres said his FIFA World Cup 2026-winning goal for Spain on Sunday belonged to "47 million people, not just me or the 26 players".

The Barcelona forward scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

الصور

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 02 Nov, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: The Islamic Republic of Iran will travel to Saudi Arabia looking to bring to an end an AFC Asian Cup™ drought that stretches back more than 50 years since the last of the nation’s three consecutive continental titles.

The Iranians were the dominant force in Asian football from the late 1960s until the end of the 1970s, winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976 while also qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup in 1978.

Spearheaded by legendary names such as Ali Parvin and Nasser Hejazi, Team Melli stood tall as the kings of the continent until that golden era came to an end. Since then, the Iranians have experienced a long series of near-misses.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 31 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will be out to prove that their best-ever finish four years ago was not a flash-in-the-pan when they take on allcomers at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

There will be no shortage of confidence in the camp after going from strength to strength since their memorable run to the final at Qatar 2023.

Know your team: DPR Korea

Fri, 30 Oct, 2026

Know your team: DPR Korea

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea are ready to reclaim their place among Asia’s elite when they return to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ for the first time since 2019.

Drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Jordan, the East Asian side will look to build on a proud history that includes a fourth-place finish in 1980.

Know your team: Bahrain

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Bahrain

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain will aim to build on their proudest moments on the continental stage when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The Red Warriors, making their eighth competition appearance and with some eventful performances behind them, will be seeking to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth place in 2004.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will travel to Saudi Arabia harbouring ambitions to continue their climb into the upper echelon of the continental game by making a significant impact at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ just months after the nation’s first FIFA World Cup appearance.

The Central Asian nation ended years of frustration since gaining independence in 1991 to secure their berth at the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico and Fabio Cannavaro’s side will be keen to build on that experience at the AFC Asian Cup.

Know your team: Palestine

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: A determined Palestine will be keen to take another step forward when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

After breaking new barriers to reach the knockout stage for the first time at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, Palestine will be pushing hard to etch a new chapter in their history at the 19th edition of the illustrious competition.

Know your team: Oman

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will be determined to impress when they make their sixth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, having fallen agonisingly short at Qatar 2023.

Drawn alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine in Group A, the West Asian side will aim to build on their experience and challenge for a place beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.

Know your team: Kuwait

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Kuwait

Kuala Lumpur: Kuwait will feel they are back where they belong as the former champions eye a memorable outing at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The heydays of 1980 where Kuwait were crowned champions after a 3-0 win against Korea Republic seem like a distant past but there’s hope within the camp that this qualification is the first step towards rediscovering their place at the top tier of Asian football.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be hoping home advantage can inspire a return to the summit of continental football when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the three-time champions determined to end a title drought stretching back more than three decades.

One of the continent’s most successful nations, the Green Falcons made an immediate impact on their tournament debut at Singapore 1984, lifting the trophy before successfully defending their crown four years later in Qatar.

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Anticipation continues to build for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the action set to kick off in slightly over two months.

The upcoming edition is set to be another fiesta of Asian football and the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to highlight some fascinating facts and figures.

Player to watch: Jay Idzes (IDN)

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Jay Idzes (IDN)

Kuala Lumpur: A commanding presence at the heart of Indonesia's defence, skipper Jay Idzes has emerged as a key figure in the Garuda's transformation into a more competitive force in Asian football.

The 26-year-old centre-back polished his skills in Italy, and his experience at the highest level of the European game will be an important asset as the Southeast Asian side look to make their mark at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Player to watch: Chanathip Songkrasin (THA)

Sun, 18 Oct, 2026

Player to watch: Chanathip Songkrasin (THA)

Kuala Lumpur: Chanathip Songkrasin’s status as one of Thailand’s footballing legends has long been established after a career for club and country that is unmatched in the history of Southeast Asian football.

The 33-year-old will travel for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ seeking to notch up another mark in an illustrious career that has seen the playmaker set new milestones for players from his home region.

الفيديو

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

East Rutherford: It was a FIFA World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.

 

The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

East Rutherford: An emotional Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his players after they won the second FIFA World Cup in the country's history on Sunday.

The European side, despite dominating the final against Argentina, had to wait till the 16th minute of extra-time to find the only goal of the game by Ferran Torres to defeat a stubborn 10-man Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. 

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Title belongs to all of Spain, says match-winner Torres

East Rutherford: Ferran Torres said his FIFA World Cup 2026-winning goal for Spain on Sunday belonged to "47 million people, not just me or the 26 players".

The Barcelona forward scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.