#WAC2026 Qualifiers draw finalised

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

#WAC2026 Qualifiers draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: Teams hoping to earn passage discovered their opponents following the conclusion of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 34 sides were drawn into six groups of four teams and two groups of five, with the Qualifiers to be hosted by Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

The eight group winners will join defending champions China PR, Korea Republic and Japan in the Finals, scheduled to be staged across three host cities from March 1 to 26, 2026.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/video/wac2022_-_moments.html

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: 5 Takeaways

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran became the second team to confirm their ticket to next year's FIFA World Cup following the conclusion of Matchday 8 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

With Japan having secured their spot earlier, only four automatic slots remain available with an additional two at stake in the playoffs.

The-AFC.com picks out five key points from Tuesday's matches.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 review

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 review

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round  got off to a flying start on Tuesday with 24 teams in action.

Matchday One delivered thrills and spills as the teams began their respective campaigns to clinch the remaining six slots available for the continental showpiece.

The-AFC.com reviews the action from the opening matchday.

Japan’s hat-trick hero Oba hungry for more

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Japan’s hat-trick hero Oba hungry for more

Pattaya: Despite an emphatic 8-3 win against Lebanon in the quarter-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Wednesday, Japan’s Takaaki Oba feels it was not their best performance.

The number seven scored three times and kept the Lebanon defence under pressure for most of the game, earning him the accolade of best player of the match. Despite the recognition, the 33-year-old was dissatisfied with the number of chances he squandered.

Shamhani urges Saudi Arabia to keep believing

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Shamhani urges Saudi Arabia to keep believing

Pattaya: Majed Shamhani played a starring role for Saudi Arabia as they advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on Wednesday.

Shamhani scored twice in a topsy-turvy game with Saudi Arabia reaching the last four stage of the competition for the first time with a 4-3 win over Thailand and the forward believes their target of reaching the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 can be achieved.

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Pattaya: Mussallam Al Raimi is confident that Oman are on the right track to reclaim the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title after defeating Bahrain 5-1 in their final Thailand 2025 Group D tie on Tuesday.

Making a busy man out of Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool with repeated charges throughout the match before finally getting his name on the scoresheet, the striker is certain that the confidence of remaining unbeaten in the group stage will boost team morale as they seek to reclaim the trophy they won a decade ago.

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Pattaya: Ali Mirshekari was jubilant after Islamic Republic of Iran defeated familiar foes United Arab Emirates 4-3 to take a step further towards defending their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Tuesday.

According to Mirshekari, it was the familiarity of having played each other over the years that acted as a blessing as well as a challenge.

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Pattaya: Head coach Mohd Saiful Noor praised his charges as Malaysia bowed out of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 with a 3-1 victory against Vietnam in their final Group D match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Tuesday.

Finishing behind Oman and Bahrain, Saiful said the Southeast Asians were exiting the competition with their heads held high.

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Pattaya: As Indonesia concluded their journey at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on a winning note, Agung Teguh is hopeful that the lessons learned will drive the Southeast Asians toward a brighter future.

Indonesia finished third in Group C with a 6-4 victory over Afghanistan in their final match, with Teguh contributing both a goal and an assist.