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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-a-ir-iran-2-0-uae

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3077130

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. 

Oman delight Jaber, Hong rues Korea Republic’s off day

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Oman delight Jaber, Hong rues Korea Republic’s off day

Goyang: Head coach Rasheed Jaber praised his team’s determination after Oman secured a hard-earned point against Korea Republic in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie at Goyang Stadium on Thursday.

Ali Al Busaidi came to Oman’s rescue, scoring with 10 minutes left to cancel out Hwang Hee Chan’s first-half goal as Jaber’s charges kept their hopes of earning automatic qualification alive. 

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Japan became the first team to book their FIFA World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday.

The win assured Hajime Moriyasu's side a top two finish in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 regardless of what happens in the remaining matches.

In Group A, Islamic Republic of Iran moved within a point of confirming their ticket after a 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates, with Uzbekistan maintaining a firm grip on second place.

Korea Republic were held 1-1 by Oman but remain well placed to advance from Group B.

The top two sides from each group will earn automatic qualification and the focus now shifts to Tuesday's round of matches so make sure to stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Stage set for #WAC2026 Qualifiers draw

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Stage set for #WAC2026 Qualifiers draw

Kuala Lumpur: Asian women’s national teams will begin their quest for continental glory when the draw ceremony of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers takes place on Thursday, March 27, at 3pm.

Eight tickets to the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece are up for grabs as 34 teams compete from June 23 to July 5 to join hosts Australia and the top three sides from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ — defending champions China PR, runners-up Korea Republic, and third-placed Japan.

Thailand wary of Lebanon challenge, India aim to bounce back

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Thailand wary of Lebanon challenge, India aim to bounce back

Pattaya: Rattaphong Nadee admitted that nerves got the better of Thailand after they shook off a slow start to defeat India 3-0 in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group A match on Thursday.

Rattaphong, who confirmed the victory with a spectacular goal, acknowledged that the team needed time to settle into the game.

El Khatib wants Lebanon to learn from opening lesson, Alsabea promises Kuwait rebound

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

El Khatib wants Lebanon to learn from opening lesson, Alsabea promises Kuwait rebound

Pattaya: The hard-fought 5-4 win against Kuwait in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group A match on Thursday served as a reminder for Ahmed El Khatib that improvements are needed for Lebanon.

El Khatib scored twice in a topsy-turvy match with both teams having spent time being ahead before Lebanon emerged victorious with the defender eyeing an improved showing when they meet Thailand on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia’s Sufiani revels in opening win, China PR’s Yisi eyes comeback

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sufiani revels in opening win, China PR’s Yisi eyes comeback

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia’s Rabye Sufyani did not hide his delight after the West Asians claimed a 5-3 win against China PR in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group B match on Thursday.

The seniormost member of the squad, the 38-year-old hailed the resilience of his teammates in the face of a challenging match and attributed the success to their razor-sharp focus on wanting to emerge victorious.

Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Pattaya: Head coach Teruki Tabata was left puzzled by Japan’s slow start to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 after his side slogged to a 4-3 win against Iraq on Thursday.

Conceding that his players were not at their best at both ends of the sand, Tabata will be targeting a fresher look when Japan take on Saudi Arabia - who beat China PR 5-3 in the other Group A match - on Saturday.