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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.

The better team won, admits Argentina's Scaloni

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

The better team won, admits Argentina's Scaloni

East Rutherford: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his team's 1-0 extra-time defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.

Substitute Ferran Torres 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.

The South American champions, featuring star player Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups.

Spain captain Rodri crowned MVP

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Spain captain Rodri crowned MVP

East Rutherford: Spain captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday after leading his team to a 1-0 victory against Argentina.

The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player in 2024, said the team were "a bit shocked right now".

Rodri ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament while playing for City against Arsenal in September 2024, making his competitive return the following May.

Torres fires Spain to glory

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Torres fires Spain to glory

East Rutherford: Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi's dreams of a triumphant farewell to football's greatest stage.

Barcelona striker Torres lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to reward a dominant display by Spain against an Argentina team who failed to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/final-spain-v-argentina

Tuchel: England closing gap with elite teams

Sun, 19 Jul, 2026

Tuchel: England closing gap with elite teams

Miami: Thomas Tuchel said England had taken their first step in closing the gap on the top football nations after edging a 10-goal thriller against France to finish third at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in an entertaining 6-4 win in the heat of Miami while France's Kylian Mbappe became the leading scorer in tournament history by netting twice.

Tuchel spoke on the eve of the match about the pain of England's 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina on Wednesday, stressing the need to close the gap to the defending champions as well as France and Spain.

Departing Deschamps looks back on 'wonderful' France journey

Sun, 19 Jul, 2026

Departing Deschamps looks back on 'wonderful' France journey

Miami: France head coach Didier Deschamps said he had experienced a "truly wonderful adventure" with his players as he bid farewell to the job on Saturday after 14 highly successful years in charge.

Deschamps guided France to FIFA World Cup glory in Moscow in 2018, becoming one of only three men to have won it as both coach and player.

He led Les Bleus back to the final in Doha in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.

England overwhelm France in goal fest

Sun, 19 Jul, 2026

England overwhelm France in goal fest

Miami Gardens: England beat France 6-4 in a chaotic FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe became the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.

Both teams had higher aspirations but suffered painful semi-final exits – France were outplayed by Spain while England suffered a late collapse against Argentina.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/3rd-place-playoff-france-v-england