Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: Japan moved up one spot to 17th in the FIFA World Rankings after their performance at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 that saw the Blue Samurai reaching the Round of 16.

The East Asian side claimed a win against Tunisia with stalemates against the Netherlands and Sweden before suffering a last-gasp defeat to five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3184851

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.

Australia's Beach joins Troyes

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Australia's Beach joins Troyes

Melbourne: Australia’s FIFA World Cup goalkeeper Patrick Beach has joined French first division side Troyes from A-League outfit Melbourne City, the club has confirmed.

Beach featured in all four of the Socceroos matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after head coach Tony Popovic sprung a surprise in Australia’s opening game against Turkey, selecting the 22-year-old ahead of veteran shot stopper Mathew Ryan.