Group C: Japan 2-0 Bahrain

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group C: Japan 2-0 Bahrain

Saitama: Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to seal Japan’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Samurai Blue notched up a 2-0 win over Bahrain in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday to book their tickets for the finals.

Kamada netted in the 66th minute and Kubo added the second with three minutes left as the Samurai Blue moved onto 19 points from seven games to guarantee Hajime Moriyasu’s side a top two finish in Group C and confirm their progress to an eighth consecutive finals.

Bahrain, meanwhile, remain on six points with three matches to play and take on Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday still in contention for the second remaining qualifying spot or a place in the next phase of the qualifiers.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076702

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076704

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076706

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076838

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076840

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3076842

#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.

Saudi Arabia 2027 berths at stake in Qualifiers Final Round

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia 2027 berths at stake in Qualifiers Final Round

Kuala Lumpur: Everything will be on the line for the cast of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round when they assemble for kick-off on Tuesday, March 25.

Only the group winners will advance to fill the six remaining berths and join the other 18 teams that have already secured their places at the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel, to be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Group A: Kuwait 4-5 Lebanon

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group A: Kuwait 4-5 Lebanon

Pattaya: Lebanon started their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group A campaign with a thrilling 5-4 win against Kuwait on Thursday.

The exciting match at Jomtien Beach Arena saw both sides taking the lead before Moustafa El Zein struck the winner in the third period.

Group B: Japan 4-3 Iraq

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group B: Japan 4-3 Iraq

Pattaya: Japan were made to work hard before securing a 4-3 win against Iraq in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group B match on Thursday.

Ozu Moreira scored twice as Japan battled back from 2-1 down to claim all three points.

Group B: China PR 3-5 Saudi Arabia

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group B: China PR 3-5 Saudi Arabia

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia registered a hard fought 5-3 win over China PR in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Group B match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Thursday.

Both sides gave it their all, taking turns to hold the lead but Saudi Arabia persevered and will face Japan on Saturday with China PR to face Iraq. 

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Indonesia; UAE v Afghanistan

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Indonesia; UAE v Afghanistan

Pattaya: Islamic Republic of Iran are well prepared to go all the way as they kickstart their title defence at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 against Indonesia on Friday.

In preparation for the tournament, head coach Naderi Hossein held eight training camps with five friendly matches, and is rallying his squad to display their title intentions against the Southeast Asian side.

Preview- Group D: Oman v Vietnam, Bahrain v Malaysia

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

Preview- Group D: Oman v Vietnam, Bahrain v Malaysia

Pattaya: Group D of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 is set for an explosive kick off on Friday with Oman, Vietnam, Bahrain and Malaysia vying for the two tickets to the quarter-finals.

Oman, champions in 2015, will take on Vietnam before Bahrain face Malaysia.