Road to 26 Playoffs contenders gear up for epic battles

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs contenders gear up for epic battles

Kuala Lumpur: Only six Asian sides remain in the running to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Group Stage, which kicks off on Wednesday (October 8).

The contenders – divided into two groups – will battle for the two direct berths on offer, with only each group winner to progress, as they look to join the six teams that have already sealed their places at the global showpiece.

Kapadze: Uzbekistan’s aim is to continue creating history

Mon, 04 Aug, 2025

Kapadze: Uzbekistan’s aim is to continue creating history

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan football has been breaking new grounds in recent years, achieving historic feats with Timur Kapadze synonymous with the incredible achievements.

The head coach led the Under-23 side to their first-ever Olympic participation at Paris 2024 and most recently, took the national team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kapadze shares with the-AFC.com on the seismic effect of reaching the World Cup Finals and what lies in store for the Central Asian side at the global showpiece next year.

Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq head coach Graham Arnold and his Indonesia counterpart Patrick Kluivert both expressed optimism following the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw on Thursday.

The teams were drawn in Group B, alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, with the tacticians vowing that their respective side's will spare no effort in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 discovered their path to the Finals following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The six teams were divided into two groups, with only the top side from each to join the six Asian nations already through at next year's global showpiece.
 
The second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the Continent’s representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity.

Oman appoint Queiroz as head coach

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Oman appoint Queiroz as head coach

Muscat: Oman named Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach on Tuesday as the West Asian side bid to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Portuguese replaces Rashid Jaber, and has been appointed ahead of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoff draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 concluded on June 10 with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Japan and Australia reaching next year’s tournament.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also kept their hopes alive by entering the fourth round slated for October.

But, before that, it’s your turn to decide which of these 12 players from the third round is named the Player of the Round – presented by STA – by casting your votes.