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Haaland realistic about Norway's chances

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Haaland realistic about Norway's chances

East Rutherford: Erling Haaland said Norway must be realistic about what they can achieve at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after qualifying for the last 32 on Monday with a 3-2 win over Senegal.

Haaland followed up his brace in the opening 4-1 victory over Islamic Republic of Iran with two more goals as Norway won consecutive games at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Norway have lost just one of their past 18 matches and will take on 2022 runners-up France in Boston on Friday to determine the winners of Group I.

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Arnold confident Iraq can still progress

Philadelphia: Graham Arnold refused to accept that Iraq's dream was dashed despite their 3-0 defeat to France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

A second consecutive loss means Iraq's hopes are hanging by a thread in Group I, with even victory against Senegal on Friday may not be enough to take them into the Round of 32.

Group L: England 0-0 Ghana

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Group L: England 0-0 Ghana

Foxborough: England suffered a FIFA World Cup 2026 setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel's side were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.

Nico O'Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header for England that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts as to their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.

They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents' two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana's stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans.

Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.

Spain's Oyarzabal happy to play through pain

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Spain's Oyarzabal happy to play through pain

Chattanooga: Mikel Oyarzabal said a minor knee injury will not put his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign at risk after kickstarting Spain's challenge by scoring twice in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Oyarzabal also set up La Roja's opening goal for Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal as the European champions made amends for a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde in their first match in North America.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente revealed after the match that the Real Sociedad forward had been struggling with a knee problem, but insisted he was fit to start.

Group K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Group K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan

Houston: Uzbekistan's FIFA World Cup 2026 suffered a blow after they fell to a 5-0 defeat against Portugal in their Group K tie on Tuesday.

It was Uzbekistan's second consecutive defeat and it left the debutants staring at elimination as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cup campaigns with the captain striking twice as Portugal bounced back in style from their 1-1 draw with Congo DR.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-k-portugal-v-uzbekistan

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Guadalupe: Korea Republic will look to finish the job when they face South Africa in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A tie at the Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday.

Hong Myung-bo’s side began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Czechia before being edged 1-0 by Mexico, a result which left the Taegeuk Warriors with one final hurdle to clear in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

Victory would guarantee Korea Republic a place in the Round of 32, while a draw could leave them dependent on the result between Mexico and Czechia. Defeat, however, would open the door for South Africa to leapfrog them.

Preview - Group B: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group B: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar

Seattle:  Qatar will have to produce their strongest performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final Group B tie at the Seattle Stadium on Wednesday.

Julen Lopetegui’s side go into the match with one point from two games, level with Bosnia-Herzegovina and knowing that only victory will realistically keep alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.

Canada and Switzerland have taken command of the group with four points each, leaving Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina in a direct battle to stay in contention as third place could still offer a route into the knockout stage.

Last one the best one? How Messi keeps doing it on the global stage

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Last one the best one? How Messi keeps doing it on the global stage

Arlington: He knew what Lionel Messi was going to do and had a plan to stop it - and then the Argentina captain struck twice anyway in becoming the leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick may not be all that fondly remembered by Manchester United fans, where he pitched up in 2021-2022.

But at 67 the German coach is vastly experienced and also widely admired in football.

Group J: Jordan 1-2 Algeria

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Group J: Jordan 1-2 Algeria

Santa Clara: Algeria came behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J game on Monday, eliminating the Asian debutants after two matches.

Amine Gouiri equalised Nizar Al Rashdan's opening goal before Nadhir Benbouali scored Algeria's winner in the 82nd minute in Santa Clara.

Austria lost 2-0 to Argentina earlier on Monday, leaving the South Americans top of Group J on six points. The Austrians and Algeria have three points each.

The win gives Algeria hope of progressing to the knockout round if they can beat Austria in Kansas City on Saturday, while Jordan face Argentina in Arlington, Texas.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-j-jordan-v-algeria

IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Mon, 22 Jun, 2026

IR Iran vow to get it right against Egypt

Los Angeles: Islamic Republic of Iran were quick to shift their focus to the decider against Egypt after walking away with a point from their clash with Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

The goalless draw with Belgium was followed by Egypt defeating New Zealand 3-1, leaving Group G wide open going into Friday's final round of matches.

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Year in Review: AFC Champions League™ 2023/24

Tue, 17 Dec, 2024

Year in Review: AFC Champions League™ 2023/24

Kuala Lumpur: Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates won the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 in stunning fashion, defeating Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos in a thrilling final played over two legs.

With the AFC's club competitions transitioning to a new format from the 2024/25 season, it was only fitting that the inaugural winners brought the curtains down on the AFC Champions League by waltzing their way to a second title.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl2_|_group_h_dynamic_herb_cebu_fc_phi_0-6_jeonbuk_hyundai_motors_fc_kor.html

#ACL Memories: Stunning Strikes

Thu, 29 Aug, 2024

#ACL Memories: Stunning Strikes

Kuala Lumpur: The long and illustrious AFC Champions League™ era has come to an end but the maiden campaign of the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) promises to open a new and exciting chapter in Asian football when it kicks off next month. 

Over the years, Asia’s top-tier club competition has produced plenty of breathtaking goals -- from sizzling bicycle kicks to absolute stunners from distance - so join the-AFC.com as we walk down memory lane to look at some of the best goals the AFC Champions League witnessed during its run. 

Stars of the AFC Champions League™

Fri, 16 Aug, 2024

Stars of the AFC Champions League™

Kuala Lumpur: The thrilling AFC Champions League era has come to a conclusion as, after 22 years of top-class Asian club football, the tournament has been revamped to AFC Champions League Elite™ in the upcoming season.

From household domestic names to international stars, the competition has been lit up by a number of players who provided memories to cherish for lovers of Asian football.

Spanning East Asia to West Asia, the-AFC.com selects 10 of the biggest superstars the competition has witnessed in its illustrious history.

Vote for your #ACL 2023-24 Magic Moment

Mon, 03 Jun, 2024

Vote for your #ACL 2023-24 Magic Moment

Kuala Lumpur: The final edition of the AFC Champions League™ in its current format came to a conclusion on May 25 when Al Ain defeated Yokohama F. Marinos in the second leg of this season’s final. 

It has been a season like no other with global superstars debuting in the continental competition which as usual delivered outstanding moments over the course of the season. 

After the conclusion of another thrilling edition, the-AFC.com picks the Magic Moments and asks you, the fans, to cast your vote for the favourite. 

#ACL 2023/24: The Stats Leaders

Thu, 30 May, 2024

#ACL 2023/24: The Stats Leaders

Kuala Lumpur: After Al Ain FC’s victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final brought to a close the last edition of the tournament in its current format, the-AFC.com takes an in-depth look at the numbers and players that excelled during the campaign.

There were many exceptional performers in another memorable chapter of Asia's top-tier club competition as we analyse the stats to assess some of the key categories and those who stood out.

#ACL Final, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Wed, 29 May, 2024

#ACL Final, 2nd Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: With a comprehensive 5-1 win in Al Ain on Saturday, Al Ain FC overcame Yokohama F. Marinos 6-3 on aggregate to claim the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 trophy.

The Japanese side had a narrow advantage following a 2-1 triumph in Yokohama, but a sensational second leg performance in Al Ain meant the inaugural winners of the AFC Champions League lifted their second title after a 21-year wait.

As the 2023/24 edition concludes, the-AFC.com reviews what some of those involved had to say about the competition’s finale.

#ACL Final: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Tue, 28 May, 2024

#ACL Final: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 on Saturday as Al Ain FC were crowned kings of Asia following a 5-1 second-leg victory over Yokohama F. Marinos that saw them run out 6-3 winners on aggregate.

The final also brought to a close the competition in its current format as Asian club football heads into an exciting new era next season with the launch of the AFC Champions League Elite™ and the AFC Champions League 2™.

As continental club football takes a break until the new tournaments begin, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the stats and facts from the second leg of the final.

Vote for your #ACL NEOM Future Star

Mon, 27 May, 2024

Vote for your #ACL NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 delivered in spectacular fashion following the conclusion of a campaign that started back on 15 August 2023 and drew the curtain with the climax in Al Ain on 25 May 2024. 

After Al Ain’s win over Yokohama F. Marinos in the final, the-AFC.com now looks to the future and the younger generation of stars that have risen to prominence during the tournament by asking you, the fans, to select the NEOM Future Star of the 2023/24 edition. 

We’ve selected six nominees who have made their career breakthroughs at the AFC Champions League 2023/24 so study through the candidates and vote for your favourite NEOM Future Star at the foot of the article. 

Crespo: Al Ain's triumph due to self belief

Sun, 26 May, 2024

Crespo: Al Ain's triumph due to self belief

Al Ain: His players gatecrashed the post-match press conference to honour him but as far as Hernan Crespo was concerned, Saturday's AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 triumph was the result of a collective effort.

The side from the United Arab Emirates were simply unstoppable as Crespo's players did exactly what he had promised they would - turn the pressure on in front of their adoring fans.

The end result was an emphatic 5-1 win at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, with Al Ain triumphing 6-3 on aggregate to lift the trophy for a second time after having waited for 21 years.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_final_2nd_leg_|_al_ain_fc_uae_5_-1_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/photo/final_2nd_leg_al_ain_fc_uae_v_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn__1.html

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