#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Qatar Airways Best Assist

Wed, 23 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Qatar Airways Best Assist

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 came to a conclusion on June 10 with six teams sealing automatic berths to the FIFA World Cup.

Thrilling action across the continent saw 231 goals being scored in 90 matches at a ratio of 2.57 per match with several players being the creative fulcrum behind those goals.

The-AFC.com picks the best assists across the qualification campaign, brought to you by Qatar Airways, and asks you – the fans of Asian football – to vote for your favourite assist.

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 concluded on June 10 with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Japan and Australia reaching next year’s tournament.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also kept their hopes alive by entering the fourth round slated for October.

But, before that, it’s your turn to decide which of these 12 players from the third round is named the Player of the Round – presented by STA – by casting your votes.

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 discovered their path to the Finals following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The six teams were divided into two groups, with only the top side from each to join the six Asian nations already through at next year's global showpiece.
 
The second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the Continent’s representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity.

Know your team: Islamic Republic of Iran

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Islamic Republic of Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will be aiming to create more history when they compete against Asia’s elite at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

After making a historic debut at India 2022, Iran showed grit in a challenging qualifying campaign that ended with a win against favourites Jordan to seal back-to-back Finals appearances.

Know your team: Japan

Mon, 21 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan have a proud AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ record to maintain as they look forward to winning the coveted trophy for a third time.

The Nadeshiko have reached the semi-finals in each of their last 15 appearances and Nils Nielsen’s side - the continent's highest ranked side - will be a force to be reckoned with yet again.

Know your team: India

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025

Know your team: India

Kuala Lumpur: India will spare no effort in their buildup to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a meticulous training programme planned.

The South Asian side sealed automatic qualification to the continental showpiece for the first time and will be determined to stamp their mark against Asia's best next March.