Asian Qualifiers - Landing Page (AR)2

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Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo has backed Son Heung-min to get back to goalscoring ways at his fourth FIFA World Cup after on Saturday naming the striker in his squad for the tournament.

Captain Son has struggled for goals since swapping English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer a year ago.

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Tokyo: An emotional Hajime Moriyasu said Japan had lost "a major presence" in Kaoru Mitoma after he was forced to leave the injured winger out of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Friday.

Mitoma missed the cut after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Georgios Donis has been appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced.

The Greek takes over from Frenchman Herve Renard, with Saudi Arabia to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Uruguay on June 15.

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.

الصور

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo has backed Son Heung-min to get back to goalscoring ways at his fourth FIFA World Cup after on Saturday naming the striker in his squad for the tournament.

Captain Son has struggled for goals since swapping English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer a year ago.

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Tokyo: An emotional Hajime Moriyasu said Japan had lost "a major presence" in Kaoru Mitoma after he was forced to leave the injured winger out of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Friday.

Mitoma missed the cut after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Mon, 11 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - The Groups

Riyadh: Fans can expect a scintillating AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following Saturday's Final Draw in Riyadh.

While the usual teams will start as the pre-tournament favourites, the continental showpiece has a tendency of producing surprises and the-AFC.com takes a look at what can be expected from the groups.

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Sun, 10 May, 2026

Tickets for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to launch with exclusive 48-hour window for Visa cardholders

Riyadh: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ is officially opening its doors to fans this week, beginning with an exclusive opportunity for Visa cardholders to lead the charge from today, May 10, 2026. As the tournament's Official Global Supporter, Visa is offering its cardholders a 48-hour priority window to secure tickets before the general public.

This launch follows the excitement of the Final Draw in Riyadh, which mapped out the journey for Asia’s top teams across the host cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The exclusive pre-sale period begins at 20:27 Arabian Standard Time (AST) on May 10, providing Visa users with the first choice of seats across all 51 matches, including the highly anticipated opening fixture between Saudi Arabia and Palestine on January 7 and the eagerly anticipated Final on February 5.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/highlights-afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027™-final-draw

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 - Draw Result & Match Schedule

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Sun, 10 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - Final Draw: What they said

Riyadh: The stage is set for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Saturday’s Final Draw producing six enticing groups.

As the teams plan their preparations for the January 7-February 5, 2027 continental showpiece, the-AFC.com listened to what several head coaches had to say after the glittering Final Draw at the historical Salwa Palace in Riyadh.

#AsianCup2027 - Road to glory paved

Sun, 10 May, 2026

#AsianCup2027 - Road to glory paved

Riyadh: Fans can expect a spectacular AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Saturday's glittering Final Draw at the historical Salwa Palace in Riyadh producing a thrilling group stage.

The continental showpiece, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time, kicks off on January 7, 2027.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/photo/asiancup2027-the-draw

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup.html/video/afc-asian-cup-saudi-arabia-2027-ahlan-asia

Football inspiring indomitable Yazan to greater heights

Sat, 09 May, 2026

Football inspiring indomitable Yazan to greater heights

Riyadh: Yazan Seefen has overcome obstacles throughout his life and the youngster is determined to keep pushing boundaries and make the best of what comes his way.

The Saudi Arabian para footballer is one of the Draw Assistants for the Final Draw of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Saturday, which will have representation from all walks of the Asian football ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia captain Salem Al Dawsari, Japanese legend Hidetoshi Nakata and Korea Republic women’s referee Kim Yu-jeong are among the Draw Assistants and 16-year-old Seefen is relishing the opportunity of being on stage with them.

الفيديو

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Sat, 16 May, 2026

Hong backs Son to lead Korea Republic challenge

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo has backed Son Heung-min to get back to goalscoring ways at his fourth FIFA World Cup after on Saturday naming the striker in his squad for the tournament.

Captain Son has struggled for goals since swapping English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer a year ago.

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Injured Mitoma misses out as Moriyasu names Japan squad

Tokyo: An emotional Hajime Moriyasu said Japan had lost "a major presence" in Kaoru Mitoma after he was forced to leave the injured winger out of his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Friday.

Mitoma missed the cut after medical staff decided he did not have enough time to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered during Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League last weekend.

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

Donis takes charge of Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Georgios Donis has been appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced.

The Greek takes over from Frenchman Herve Renard, with Saudi Arabia to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Uruguay on June 15.

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.