Experts discuss latest trends at AFC Coach Education Online Session 2024

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Experts discuss latest trends at AFC Coach Education Online Session 2024

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted the AFC Coach Education Online Session on Tuesday, further underlining its unwavering determination to maximise the potential of its Member Associations (MAs).

Following the AFC’s discussion with its sister Confederation UEFA last year to facilitate knowledge exchange programmes between coach educators and practising coaches, the virtual session featured a line-up of experts from UEFA and the German Football Association (DFB).

Cuper parts ways with Syria

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Cuper parts ways with Syria

Tokyo: Hector Cuper has announced his resignation as head coach of the Syria national team after a 5-0 defeat to Japan in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ tie on Tuesday.

The 68-year-old Argentine, a former centre-back who had coaching spells in Argentina, Europe and West Asia, leaves his post with immediate effect having taken over from Hussam Al Sayed in February 2023.

AFC President praises Asian teams for sealing AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Round 3 and Saudi Arabia 2027 spots

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

AFC President praises Asian teams for sealing AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Round 3 and Saudi Arabia 2027 spots

Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated the 18 Participating Teams for securing their places in Round 3 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as well as the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

On a riveting showdown of qualifying action, China PR, DPR Korea, Indonesia, Kuwait and Kyrgyz Republic joined Matchday Five qualifiers’ Bahrain, Jordan, Korea Republic, Oman, Palestine and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after Australia, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan had earlier confirmed their spots after Matchday Four in March this year.

Third round cast finalised

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Third round cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Tuesday with five teams joining 13 others in the next stage.

Kuwait (Group A), DPR Korea (Group B), China PR (Group C), Kyrgyz Republic (Group D) and Indonesia (Group F) were the final five sides to book their spots in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and confirm their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals after Matchday Six. 

Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic and Palestine will be making their debuts in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Group G: Jordan stun Saudi Arabia

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Group G: Jordan stun Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Jordan came from behind to defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the final match of Group G of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday.

While both teams had already advanced to the next round, Jordan’s victory meant they overtook their Matchday Six opponents into the top spot of Group G thanks to a superior goal-difference with both teams level on 13 points.

Group F: Iraq too strong for Vietnam

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Group F: Iraq too strong for Vietnam

Basra: Iraq completed their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group F campaign with a perfect record after defeating Vietnam 3-1 on Tuesday. 

Their dream campaign is a boost for the West Asian side as they look to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals for a second time. 

For Vietnam, it was a disappointing end as they finished third in the group behind regional rivals Indonesia, who defeated the Philippines 2-0 to book their spot.