Stage set for #WAC2026 Qualifiers draw

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Stage set for #WAC2026 Qualifiers draw

Kuala Lumpur: Asian women’s national teams will begin their quest for continental glory when the draw ceremony of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers takes place on Thursday, March 27, at 3pm.

Eight tickets to the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece are up for grabs as 34 teams compete from June 23 to July 5 to join hosts Australia and the top three sides from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ — defending champions China PR, runners-up Korea Republic, and third-placed Japan.

Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Pattaya: Head coach Teruki Tabata was left puzzled by Japan’s slow start to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 after his side slogged to a 4-3 win against Iraq on Thursday.

Conceding that his players were not at their best at both ends of the sand, Tabata will be targeting a fresher look when Japan take on Saudi Arabia - who beat China PR 5-3 in the other Group A match - on Saturday.

Australia’s Irvine thrilled but expects improvement

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Australia’s Irvine thrilled but expects improvement

Sydney: Jackson Irvine was delighted with Australia’s 5-1 win against Indonesia but admitted there is still room for improvement if the Socceroos want to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The midfielder netted twice as Australia overcame a slow start to see off the challenge of an Indonesian side looking to build on their win against Saudi Arabia on Matchday Six.

The victory meant Australia stayed second in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 and if they can hang on, it will mean automatic qualification to the global Finals, with Japan having already sealed their spot. 

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Japan became the first team to book their FIFA World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday.

The win assured Hajime Moriyasu's side a top two finish in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 regardless of what happens in the remaining matches.

In Group A, Islamic Republic of Iran moved within a point of confirming their ticket after a 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates, with Uzbekistan maintaining a firm grip on second place.

Korea Republic were held 1-1 by Oman but remain well placed to advance from Group B.

The top two sides from each group will earn automatic qualification and the focus now shifts to Tuesday's round of matches so make sure to stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Group B: Iraq 2-2 Kuwait

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group B: Iraq 2-2 Kuwait

Basra: Iraq fought back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.

Yousef Al Sulaiman scored either side of the break but stoppage time goals from Akam Hashim and Ibrahim Bayesh ensured Iraq took home a share of the spoils but meant they dropped to third in the standings, behind Jordan on goal difference. Korea Republic lead with 15 points. 

Group C: Saudi Arabia 1-0 China PR

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group C: Saudi Arabia 1-0 China PR

Riyadh: Salem Al Dawsari struck to earn Saudi Arabia a 1-0 win over 10-man China PR in Riyadh on Thursday as Herve Renard’s side took sole possession of third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

The Al Hilal captain netted in the 50th minute against a Chinese side that had to play the entire second 45 minutes a man down after Lin Liangmin was sent off in first half injury time for a foul on Hassan Al Tambakti.

Victory moves Saudi Arabia onto nine points from seven games and keeps Renard’s side within a point of Australia in the battle to claim the remaining automatic qualifying berth behind table toppers Japan. China PR are on six points with three matches remaining.