Excitement, key matches and the road ahead: Asia reacts to the India 2022 draw

Sat, 30 Oct, 2021

Excitement, key matches and the road ahead: Asia reacts to the India 2022 draw

Kuala Lumpur: Among the thousands of viewers from around Asia and beyond who tuned in for Thursday’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Official Draw were players and coaches eager to discover their path to continental glory.

What they saw was a draw delivering several must-see matches, rekindling classic regional rivalries, and providing room to dream for all 12 teams at Asia’s premier women’s football event.
 
Here at the-AFC.com, we’ve been busy seeking out first-hand reactions from those who will be directly involved in the tournament, with head coaches and star players from all 12 teams sharing their views on the road ahead to India 2022, which is now just 83 days away.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Draw finalised

Fri, 29 Oct, 2021

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ concluded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The virtually conducted draw for the expanded 12-team tournament will see Japan begin their defence of the titles won in 2014 and 2018 in Group C. 

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set for thrilling opening matches

Fri, 29 Oct, 2021

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ set for thrilling opening matches

Kuala Lumpur: The celebration of women’s football at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ will kick off on January 20 between eight-time champions China PR and Chinese Taipei to set the tone for an entertaining campaign next year.  

Following the official draw ceremony held today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Steel Roses will face Chinese Taipei in Group A at the Mumbai Football Arena at 3.30pm (local time). Host nation India go head-to-head against the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are making their debut, in the opening day action at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai at 7.30pm.

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022: Know Your Teams

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022: Know Your Teams

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

With the tournament expanded to 12 teams, the sides will be drawn into three groups for the Continental showpiece on January 20-February 6.
 
India qualified as hosts while Japan, Australia and China PR earned automatic spots based on their 2018 finishes. Eight teams advanced from the qualifiers. Join the-AFC.com as we look at the facts and stats of the 12 teams. 

Beyond Greatness™ – game-changing new brand identity revealed for FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™

Fri, 29 Oct, 2021

Beyond Greatness™ – game-changing new brand identity revealed for FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™

Zurich: FIFA has revealed an exciting and bold new brand identity for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, incorporating a vibrant new visual approach that aims to unite and inspire people around the world through the power of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and women’s football.

The brand identity and emblem incorporate the vibrant local landscapes and rich colours of the two hosts, building a palette based on the rainforests, earth, mountains, cities, and water of the two countries. A radial motif featuring 32 colourful squares – celebrating the new expansion to 32 participating nations, and an element commonly seen across the indigenous cultures of Australia and New Zealand – is a prominent part of the design.

The motif symbolises not only the world’s best teams coming together, but also the spirit and values of the two host countries radiating back out into the world, with football at its core.

Qualifiers - Matchday Two: Results & Reports

Sun, 31 Oct, 2021

Qualifiers - Matchday Two: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have joined Australia, Japan and hosts Uzbekistan in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 Finals after topping their respective groups on Saturday. 

Kuwait confirmed top spot in Group D with their 2-1 triumph over 2020 runners-up Saudi Arabia while UAE defeated Oman 2-0 to emerge Group E winners.

Australia advanced on Friday as the Group G winners while Japan, the 2016 champions, booked their spot on Thursday after topping Group  K with a perfect record of two victories. 

Eleven places in the Finals are still up for grabs with the remaining seven group winners and four best runners-up to advance.

Stay with the-AFC.com for the results and reports from across the Continent. 

Hwang, Kyogo and four Iranian stars: Vote for AFC International Player of the Week!

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hwang, Kyogo and four Iranian stars: Vote for AFC International Player of the Week!

Kuala Lumpur: Some of Asia’s top players outside of the continent were at their brilliant best this week, lighting up league and continental competitions alike.

Team Melli’s European-based stars were unstoppable, with Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun both piling on the goals for their respective clubs, while Hwang Hee-chan and Kyogo Furuhashi continued their stunning early days in British football.
 
But who was Asia’s best player outside of the continent for the week just passed?

Study our list of contenders – based on performances from October 19 to 25 – and don’t forget to cast your vote.