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

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

Dalic appointed UAE head coach

Dubai: Zlatko Dalic was revealed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates Wednesday.

The 59-year-old takes over from Cosmin Olariou, who lasted 13 months in the role after replacing Paulo Bento.

Dalic comes with the pedigree of having led Croatia to the final of FIFA World Cup 2018 and the semi-finals four years later.

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Lee wants history-makers Singapore to inspire pride and growth

Riyadh: Trailing by a goal in their penultimate fixture of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round, Singapore’s hopes were fading fast in front of a near-capacity home crowd.

Defeat to Hong Kong, China in the winner-takes-all showdown would eliminate the Lions via the head-to-head criterion and extend an absence from Asia’s crown jewel that dates back to their debut in 1984, while sealing back-to-back qualifications for the home side.

But a two-goal salvo within five minutes saw Gavin Lee’s charges flip the script and stun the hosts, as they held on for a historic victory last November that sealed a maiden qualification on merit to the AFC Asian Cup™.

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Prosinecki sees bright future for Kyrgyz football

Riyadh: Robert Prosinecki knew he was stepping into a unique challenge when he accepted the role of Kyrygz Republic head coach.

Convinced by the potential of the Central Asian side, Prosinecki didn’t require much convincing and the 57-year-old Croat is now plotting Kyrgyz Republic’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ challenge.

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Mon, 03 Aug, 2026

Donis confident of Saudi Arabia's chances

Riyadh: Georgios Donis fully comprehends the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders as he looks to lead Saudi Arabia to their first AFC Asian Cup™ title in more than 30 years in the 2027 edition in January.

Donis, who hails from Greece and was appointed last April ahead of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge, believes his long-standing knowledge and experience in West Asia puts him in good stead for what lies ahead.

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Abu Jazar wants Palestine to soar higher

Riyadh: Ihab Abu Jazar is coming close to two years being in charge of the Palestine national team and it has been a period where the head coach can look back on fondly and also be encouraged of what’s to come.

Qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was achieved after the West Asian side finished second behind Australia in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

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.

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.