Asian Qualifiers - Landing Page

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3029573.html

afc-newsletter

News

Mbappe and France show grit to book q-final spot

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Mbappe and France show grit to book q-final spot

Philadelphia: France captain Kylian Mbappe said his side were happy to do whatever it takes to advance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after they battled through a bad-tempered last-16 tie with Paraguay to win 1-0 on Saturday.

Mbappe scored the winner from the spot in the 70th minute to bring his haul for the tournament to seven and his overall tally in the FIFA World Cup to 19 goals, but he was continually goaded by the Paraguayan defenders towards the end of the game in sweltering Philadelphia.

Ouahbi expects even more from Morocco

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Ouahbi expects even more from Morocco

Houston: Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi said "we're no longer a surprise" after reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on Saturday and hit back at "bold" claims by Canada's Jesse Marsch.

The North African side were not at their best but were clinical in defeating Marsch's co-hosts 3-0 in Houston and will face France next.

Morocco made the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and Ouahbi said: "We're no longer a surprise today and that's a great source of pride."

Alfaro: Paraguay fought like lions

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

Alfaro: Paraguay fought like lions

Philadelphia: Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side had "fought like lions" in their 1-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat at the hands of France on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe's 70th-minute spot-kick finally broke the deadlock in the last-16 tie and took France through to a quarter-final against Morocco, as Paraguay go home.

'Proud' Marsch says Canada better side in exit

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

'Proud' Marsch says Canada better side in exit

Houston: Jesse Marsch said his Canada side had been the better team and hopes this is just the start after the co-hosts bowed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the last 16 to Morocco on Saturday.

Canada were playing in the biggest match in their footballing history and were on top in the first half in Houston.

But in a niggly game, Morocco scored three times in the second period for a 3-0 win that was not an accurate reflection of the match.

R16: Paraguay 0-1 France

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

R16: Paraguay 0-1 France

Philadelphia: France needed a second-half Kylian Mbappe penalty to break down a stubborn Paraguay side on Saturday, winning a niggly FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 clash 1-0 to set up a quarter-final showdown with Morocco.

Paraguay's efforts to get under the skin of France's superstars worked for three quarters of a game played in front of 68,324 fans in Philadelphia in heatwave conditions.
 
However, the quality in the French ranks eventually shone through, with Mbappe converting from the spot on 70 minutes after Desire Doue was brought down.
 
Didier Deschamps' team will now return to their Boston base to prepare for a last-eight clash in nearby Foxborough next Thursday against the Moroccans, who beat Canada 3-0 earlier.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/r16-paraguay-v-france

R16: Canada 0-3 Morocco

Sun, 05 Jul, 2026

R16: Canada 0-3 Morocco

Houston: Morocco ended co-hosts Canada's FIFA World Cup 2026 dreams at the last-16 stage on Saturday as the 2022 semi-finalists ran out 3-0 victors in Houston.

A second-half Azzedine Ounahi double followed by Soufiane Rahimi's late third sealed Morocco's quarter-final berth next week against France, who defeated Paraguay 1-0 in their encounter.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/r16-canada-v-morocco

Preview - R16: Mexico v England

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Mexico v England

Ciudad de Mexico: England must confront a fanatical home crowd and the weight of FIFA World Cup history when they enter the lion's den of the Mexico City Stadium for one of the ties of the tournament on Sunday.

A place in the quarter-finals is at stake as the confident co-hosts eye their shot at glory against the Three Lions, who have so far failed to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Harry Kane rescued England from what would have been one of their worst ever FIFA World Cup defeats to edge past Congo DR in the last 32, the captain scoring twice in the final 15 minutes in Atlanta to secure a nervy 2-1 win and keep the dream of ending a 60-year wait to win a major tournament alive.

Preview - R16: Brazil v Norway

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R16: Brazil v Norway

East Rutherford: Erling Haaland has feasted on defences throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Norway will need their talismanic striker at his ruthless best if they are to topple Brazil in Sunday's last-16 clash.

Haaland's late winner against Cote d'Ivoire – his fifth goal at the tournament – secured Norway's first victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout game, marking a memorable return to the global stage after a 28-year absence.

Now they are hoping to repeat their famous 1998 group-stage victory over five-time world champions Brazil and earn a place in the quarter-finals.

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Salah says 'had to do it' after coolest of spot-kicks

Arlington: A nerveless Mohamed Salah said he decided only at the last moment to chip in his penalty under massive pressure to help Egypt into the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16 on Friday.

The former Liverpool superstar and Egypt captain stepped up third in the shootout for his country and scored a "Panenka" as they beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in Texas.

Egypt, who won a FIFA World Cup knockout game for the first time, face Lionel Messi's Argentina next.

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Cabo Verde show anything is possible with 'big hearts'

Miami: Cabo Verde are an example for other small nations to follow, said defender Pico Lopes, after the islanders came close to pulling off one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history against Argentina on Friday.

Defending champions Argentina needed a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute to win a thrilling last-32 tie after strength-sapping extra-time in Miami.

A tiny archipelago of just over 500,000 people off the west coast of Africa, Cabo Verde held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws on their first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Photos

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers ™ – Road to 26 Playoffs served up the full spread: late drama, nerveless finishes and strikes you could frame.

We've shortlisted the pick of the goals from the Playoffs — some born of slick team craft, others from pure individual audacity. Relive the moments below and back your favourite. 

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Kuala Lumpur: From Matchday 1 to the final playoff whistle, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 served up everything: runaway leaders, shock upsets, late dramas, and those razor-edged calls that separated the cautious from the courageous.  

Here's the Post-Tournament Recap for Match Predictor players—best picks, biggest shocks, and the moments that swung leagues and ladders. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-iraq-2-1-uae

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Basra: Graham Arnold urged his players to remain focused after Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to seal place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate. 

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/photo/playoffs-knockout-stage-2nd-leg-iraq-v-uae

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Basra: Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Iraq over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that takes Graham Arnold’s side into the Intercontinental Playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in the return leg of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage second leg in front of a packed Basra International Stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Basra:  Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are set for another tantalising showdown in the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage on Tuesday.

The first leg in Abu Dhabi ended in a 1-1 draw, with Iraq taking the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, with Luanzinho equalising for the UAE. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-uae-1-1-iraq

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has called on his players to show courage as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage tie against Iraq, following a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.

Videos

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers ™ – Road to 26 Playoffs served up the full spread: late drama, nerveless finishes and strikes you could frame.

We've shortlisted the pick of the goals from the Playoffs — some born of slick team craft, others from pure individual audacity. Relive the moments below and back your favourite. 

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Kuala Lumpur: From Matchday 1 to the final playoff whistle, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 served up everything: runaway leaders, shock upsets, late dramas, and those razor-edged calls that separated the cautious from the courageous.  

Here's the Post-Tournament Recap for Match Predictor players—best picks, biggest shocks, and the moments that swung leagues and ladders. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-iraq-2-1-uae

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Basra: Graham Arnold urged his players to remain focused after Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to seal place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate. 

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/photo/playoffs-knockout-stage-2nd-leg-iraq-v-uae

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Basra: Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Iraq over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that takes Graham Arnold’s side into the Intercontinental Playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in the return leg of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage second leg in front of a packed Basra International Stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Basra:  Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are set for another tantalising showdown in the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage on Tuesday.

The first leg in Abu Dhabi ended in a 1-1 draw, with Iraq taking the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, with Luanzinho equalising for the UAE. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-uae-1-1-iraq

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has called on his players to show courage as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage tie against Iraq, following a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.