Australia's Irankunda makes Watford switch

Sat, 19 Jul, 2025

Australia's Irankunda makes Watford switch

Kuala Lumpur: Highly-rated Australia international winger Nestory Irankunda has signed for Watford from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract, the English Championship club announced on Friday.

The former Adelaide United forward has made the switch a year after leaving Australia to join Bayern Munich, and the 19-year-old has moved to Watford for an undisclosed fee.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3101372

Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq head coach Graham Arnold and his Indonesia counterpart Patrick Kluivert both expressed optimism following the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw on Thursday.

The teams were drawn in Group B, alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, with the tacticians vowing that their respective side's will spare no effort in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 discovered their path to the Finals following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The six teams were divided into two groups, with only the top side from each to join the six Asian nations already through at next year's global showpiece.
 
The second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the Continent’s representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity.

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 concluded on June 10 with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Japan and Australia reaching next year’s tournament.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also kept their hopes alive by entering the fourth round slated for October.

But, before that, it’s your turn to decide which of these 12 players from the third round is named the Player of the Round – presented by STA – by casting your votes.

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD5

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD5

Amman: Jordan will look to complete the job when they face Islamic Republic of Iran in their  concluding AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A tie on Saturday.  

On a perfect nine points, Jordan only need to avoid defeat while Iran - who suffered a 3-1 setback against Lebanon on Matchday Four - have to win to seal a second successive appearance at the continental showpiece. 

Know your team: Chinese Taipei

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Chinese Taipei

Kuala Lumpur: Chinese Taipei will aim to maximise their chance to recapture past glories as they look forward to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

Chinese Taipei were in a class of their own between 1977 and 1981 - which yielded three consecutive titles - but have gone through a leaner period since.

Reaching successive Finals for the first time since 2008, Chinese Taipei will be out to reclaim their place at the summit of women’s football in Asia.