Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Stevanovic proud of Tajikistan’s tenacity

Hisor: Head coach Goran Stevanovic hailed Tajikistan’s collective spirit after his side sealed qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, stressing that unity and belief proved decisive in a hard-fought campaign.

A tense 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their final Group A qualifying tie at the Hisor Central Stadium on Tuesday sent Tajikistan through, with Sheriddin Boboev’s first-half equaliser securing the crucial point. 

The result saw both teams finishing on 14 points, with Tajikistan advancing with a superior goal difference.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3165083

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3165085

Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hudson delighted as Thailand show resilience to qualify

Bangkok: Anthony Hudson was a relieved man after Thailand dug deep to overcome Turkmenistan 2-1 to advance to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following a pulsating tie at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday.

Thailand were staring at elimination with the score tied at 1-1 as Turkmenistan held the better head-to-head record having won the reverse fixture 3-1 but Manuel Bihr’s 89th minute goal turned agony into ecstasy for the War Elephants.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD6 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Tajikistan and Thailand booked their tickets to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after topping their respective groups in the final round of the Qualifiers on Tuesday.

Tajikistan took the Group A top spot after coming from behind to force a 1-1 draw with the Philippines, with the Central Asian side advancing thanks to a superior goal difference.

Thailand left it late in their Group D decider against Turkmenistan, with the Southeast Asian side scoring in the 89th minute to clinch a 2-1 win.

Tajikistan and Thailand join Singapore (Group C), Syria (Group E) and Vietnam (Group F) at the Finals, which will also feature the 18 teams from the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. The team from Group B, meanwhile, will be decided in June with Lebanon and Yemen to square off for the top spot.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece. 

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Japan stun England; wins for Australia, IR Iran

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Japan stun England; wins for Australia, IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Japan made history with their first ever win against England as Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 1-0 victory in Tuesday's international friendly at Wembley.

There were also wins for fellow FIFA World Cup-bound Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran. Jordan played to a draw with Nigeria while Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats.