Endo urges fans to believe Japan can go all the way

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Endo urges fans to believe Japan can go all the way

Saitama: Wataru Endo said Japan can win the FIFA World Cup 2026 after becoming the first team to qualify and the Liverpool ace urged fans to buy into the ambitious target.

Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday to punch their ticket to next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico after a dominant run in qualifying.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-c-japan-2-0-bahrain

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Son promises Korea Republic will bounce back

Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

Son promises Korea Republic will bounce back

Goyang: Son Heung-min said he "let my teammates down" after Korea Republic were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Oman in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.

The draw meant Korea Republic missed a chance to take a big step towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Oman equalised with 10 minutes remaining as Korea Republic's lead was cut to three points ahead of both Jordan and Iraq, with only the top two teams qualifying automatically.

Kamada hails teammates as Japan confirm ticket in style

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Kamada hails teammates as Japan confirm ticket in style

Saitama: Daichi Kamada paid tribute to his teammates after Japan became the first team to confirm their FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket with a 2-0 win over Bahrain at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on Thursday.

The victory took Japan to 19 points from seven matches, assuring them of a top two finish irrespective of what happens in the remaining games in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

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. 

Renard pleased with Saudi Arabia’s response

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Renard pleased with Saudi Arabia’s response

Riyadh: Head coach Herve Renard emphasised the importance of efficiency as Saudi Arabia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday.

Salem Al Dawsari’s second half goal gave Saudi Arabia sole possession of third place, keeping them within striking distance of an automatic qualification spot to next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Ghalenoei applauds IR Iran’s spirit

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Ghalenoei applauds IR Iran’s spirit

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei hailed his players’ spirit after their 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Thursday.

Ghalenoei reserved special praise for goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand for keeping Iran in the game early on as they remained at the top of Group A and moved within a point of securing a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Victory is all that matters for Uzbekistan’s Kapadze

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Victory is all that matters for Uzbekistan’s Kapadze

Tashkent: Despite finding it difficult to breach a resolute Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan inched closer to realising their FIFA World Cup dreams with head coach Timur Kapadze not unduly worried about his misfiring frontline in Thursday's AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group A tie.

Despite playing against 10 men and registering 26 attempts, nine of which were on target, Uzbekistan only managed a 1-0 win but Kapadze chose to look at the bigger picture as the win kept his side firmly entrenched in second place and their fate very much in their own hands. 

Garcia, Afif demand more from Qatar

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Garcia, Afif demand more from Qatar

Doha: Qatar reignited their FIFA World Cup dreams with a 5-1 win against DPR Korea in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 match on Thursday with head coach Luis Garcia calling for more of the same in their upcoming matches.

The Spaniard was happy to see his players showing their quality at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium but stressed that the challenge is being able to replicate the performance on a more consistent basis.

First half super show leaves Jordan’s Sellami smiling

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

First half super show leaves Jordan’s Sellami smiling

Amman: Jordan’s incredible first half showing gave head coach Jamal Sellami plenty to smile about after his team secured a 3-1 win against Palestine in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 tie on Thursday.

Led by the impressive Mousa Al Tamari who scored once and supplied two assists, Jordan clinched the third win of their campaign to move up to 12 points and go above Iraq into one of the two direct FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification spots.

Inclement weather at Amman International Stadium meant difficult conditions for both players and fans alike but Jordan were able to overcome the circumstances with aplomb much to the delight of the Moroccan. 

Casas rues Iraq’s costly mistakes

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Casas rues Iraq’s costly mistakes

Basra: Head coach Jesus Casas was left counting the cost of defensive errors after his Iraq side salvaged a 2-2 draw with Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B clash on Thursday.

Two stoppage time goals from Akam Hashim and Ibrahim Bayesh prevented Kuwait from earning their first win of the campaign but it came at a cost with Iraq dropping out of automatic FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification spot as Jordan overtook them with a superior goal difference.

Yousef Al Sulaiman had struck either side of the break to give Kuwait a lead they could ultimately not hold on to.