Renard credits qualification to Saudi Arabia fans

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Renard credits qualification to Saudi Arabia fans

Jeddah: Herve Renard praised Saudi Arabia’s fans after pushing the country to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals with a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday while also paying tribute to his late mother.

The draw at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium ensured the Saudis finished on top of Group B in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs as the country joined Japan, Korea Republic, Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan and Qatar at the 48-team tournament.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-group-b-saudi-arabia-0-0-iraq

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We deserved to qualify, says Qatar's Lopetegui

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

We deserved to qualify, says Qatar's Lopetegui

Doha: Julen Lopetegui paid tribute to his players and the fans after Qatar booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

A 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates confirmed the two-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners' first ever FIFA World Cup appearance through the Qualifiers with Lopetegui expressing his pride in his players' never-say-die attitude.

Stalemate sends Saudi Arabia to Finals

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Stalemate sends Saudi Arabia to Finals

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia punched their ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday as a 0-0 draw with Iraq sparked scenes of jubilation in Jeddah and ensured Herve Renard’s side finished on top of Group B in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs.

Neither side was able to find a way through in front of a crowd in excess of 60,000 at a raucous King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, with the result taking the Saudis to a third consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals and seventh in total.
 
Saudi Arabia won the group having scored more goals over their two games against Iraq and Indonesia, their 3-2 victory over the Southeast Asian side last Wednesday proving decisive in the overall standings.
 
Graham Arnold’s side, meanwhile, will continue their campaign for a first FIFA World Cup qualification since 1986 against the United Arab Emirates in a two-legged playoff next month, with the winners advancing to the FIFA Playoff Tournament in March.

World Cup joy for Qatar

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

World Cup joy for Qatar

Doha: Qatar secured a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday as second half headers from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel sealed a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Doha to claim the slot at next year’s Finals from Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs.

Akram Afif unlocked the UAE defence on both occasions at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, the reigning AFC Player of the Year delivering free-kicks in the 49th and 74th minutes for his teammates to nod in the goals that took Julien Lopetegui’s side through.

Sultan Adil scored deep into injury time after Tarek Salman’s earlier red card to set up a tense finish but Qatar, who had never qualified for the Finals before having made their debut at the tournament in 2022 at hosts, prevailed.

The UAE, meanwhile, will go into a two-legged playoff next month against the runners-up in Group B. The winners of that game will then feature in the FIFA Playoff Tournament in March.

Know Your Team - DPR Korea

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Know Your Team - DPR Korea

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea will go in search of a record-extending fourth title when they compete in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 which kicks off on Friday.

DPR Korea were simply irresistible enroute to emerging champions at last year’s edition, defeating Spain on penalties to edge past their beaten opponents in the overall trophy count.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD4 Results & Reports

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD4 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Syria were the biggest winners as Matchday Four of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round concluded on Tuesday.

The West Asian side turned on the power in the second half to defeat Myanmar 3-0 to assure themselves the Group E top spot and confirm qualification irrespective of what happens in the remaining two matchdays.

Several other sides also took huge steps towards the Finals and will be eagerly awaiting Matchday Five, which will be played on November 18.

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