Group A: UAE 0-0 Uzbekistan

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Group A: UAE 0-0 Uzbekistan

Abu Dhabi: Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history on Thursday as a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi ensured Timur Kapadze’s side claimed a top two finish in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

A trio of saves by goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov kept the Emiratis at bay in the second half to take Uzbekistan onto 18 points from nine games and maintain their four-point lead over third-placed UAE with only Tuesday’s matches remaining in the third phase of qualifying.

The qualification is Uzbekistan’s first in eight attempts since the Central Asian nation joined the Asian Football Confederation. The UAE, meanwhile, will advance to the fourth phase of qualifying, where new head coach Cosmin Olaroiu will continue the nation’s attempt to book a FIFA World Cup berth for the first time since 1990.

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Matchday Nine: Results & Reports

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Matchday Nine: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan and Uzbekistan created history as Matchday Nine of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 came to a close on Thursday.

Both sealed debut appearances at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with perennial qualifiers Korea Republic confirming an 11th successive presence at the global showpiece.

Uzbekistan booked their ticket after playing to a goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates, joining Islamic Republic of Iran as the two qualifiers from Group A. UAE and Qatar, who defeated Iran 1-0 in Doha, advanced to the playoffs where another two spots to the Finals will be at stake.

Jordan had placed themselves in a favourable position with a 3-0 win over Oman, with Korea Republic's 2-0 defeat of Iraq later in the day confirming both their passages to the FIFA World Cup. The loss meant the playoffs for Iraq, with either Palestine - who beat Kuwait 2-0 - or Oman to take the second spot. The two sides meet on Tuesday.

Australia are the favourites to join already qualified Japan from Group C, with the Socceroos defeating the East Asian side 1-0 in Perth. The win moved them to 16 points, three ahead of Saudi Arabia - who beat Bahrain 2-0. The West Asian side, however, have an inferior goal difference and need to win Tuesday's encounter by five clear goals.

Indonesia confirmed their spot in the playoffs from Group C with a 1-0 win over China PR.

Test your knowledge and win the #AsianQualifiers - Road to 26 Guess The Player quiz contest

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Test your knowledge and win the #AsianQualifiers - Road to 26 Guess The Player quiz contest

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 is in its business end with the final two matchdays of the third round on 5 and 10 June and you now have an exciting opportunity to put their football knowledge and quick-thinking skills to the test.

With the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Guess The Player quiz contest, Asian football fans can now take part in a timed quiz designed to test their player knowledge based on statistics and descriptions from the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 campaign. 
 
Do you have a keen eye for detail? Do you have what it takes to guess all the answers correctly? Register now, take the quiz and stand a chance to win in this exciting contest.  

Group B: Oman 0-3 Jordan

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Group B: Oman 0-3 Jordan

Muscat: Jordan defeated Oman 3-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday to confirm an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Ali Olwan starred with a hat-trick with the victory moving Jordan to 16 points and their place at next year’s global showpiece was confirmed following Korea Republic's 2-0 win against Iraq later on Thursday.

Group C: Bahrain 0-2 Saudi Arabia

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Group C: Bahrain 0-2 Saudi Arabia

Riffa: Saudi Arabia kept themselves in the running for automatic qualification after they defeated Bahrain 2-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Thursday.

The win at Bahrain National Stadium took Herve Renard’s men to 13 points but they will need to win by five clear goals against Australia on Tuesday to nail down second spot in the group, with the Socceroos three points ahead.

Group C: Indonesia 1-0 China PR

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Group C: Indonesia 1-0 China PR

Jakarta: Ole Romenij’s penalty steered Indonesia to 1-0 win against China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday.

The win at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium meant Indonesia confirmed their spot in the playoffs - where an additional two spots will be at stake - after Bahrain suffered a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their tie.

Group C: Australia 1-0 Japan

Thu, 05 Jun, 2025

Group C: Australia 1-0 Japan

Perth: Aziz Behich’s last-minute winner earned Australia a 1-0 victory over already-qualified Japan in Perth on Thursday as the Socceroos took a huge stride towards claiming an automatic berth at next year’s FIFA World Cup from Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

The Melbourne City defender bent in a 90th minute winner from 12 yards out to delight the 57,226 crowd at Perth Stadium, moving Tony Popovic’s side onto 16 points from nine games with the Socceroos due to play Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Australia now stand on the cusp of qualifying after handing the Japanese their first defeat of the campaign, and Saudi Arabia must win against Bahrain later on Thursday to delay the Socceroos’ celebrations.

Inzaghi takes charge of Al Hilal

Thu, 05 Jun, 2025

Inzaghi takes charge of Al Hilal

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC have announced the appointment of Simone Inzaghi as head coach.

Al Hilal said the Italian tactician has signed a two-year contract and will be in charge of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign.

Road to glory paved for Asia's best

Thu, 05 Jun, 2025

Road to glory paved for Asia's best

Rabat: Asia's representatives discovered their challengers for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025 following the draw on Wednesday.

The continent will be represented by China PR, DPR Korea, Japan and Korea Republic with the tournament - expanded to 24 teams - to run from October 17 to November 8.

The six group winners and runners-up, along with the four best ranked third-placed sides, will advance to the Round of 16.