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.

#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.

Know your team: China PR

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Know your team: China PR

Kuala Lumpur: China PR will head into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ knowing they will have to overcome a tough challenge if they are to retain the title.

The East Asian side clinched a record-extending ninth title at India 2022 in stunning fashion, coming from 2-0 down to defeat Korea Republic 3-2 in the final.

That triumph, however, did not spark a major resurgence as the likes of Japan and Australia continue to set the pace in Asia.

Know your team: Bangladesh

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Bangladesh

Kuala Lumpur: While Bangladesh are gearing up for their first ever appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, the South Asian side will not be at Australia 2026 just to make up the numbers.

Decades of waiting was ended with spectacular performances in the Qualifiers as Bangladesh reaped the rewards of building from the grassroots and despite being the lowest ranked side to have qualified, Peter Butler’s side will enter the tournament with momentum and belief.

Know your team: Australia

Thu, 10 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: Host Australia headline a cast of 12 teams going into the draw for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ that will take place on July 29.

Champions in 2010, Australia have a long storied history with the competition - starting with their participation as guests in the inaugural edition played in Hong Kong, China in 1975.

The Matildas - who reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand - will be among the favourites, especially with the backing of their passionate fans.

Nascimento tells Jordan to remain focused, Jafari confident IR Iran will bounce back

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Nascimento tells Jordan to remain focused, Jafari confident IR Iran will bounce back

Kuala Lumpur: David Nascimento has urged his players to remain focused after Jordan took a huge step towards qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Wednesday.

A 3-0 win against Bhutan maintained Jordan’s perfect record and avoiding defeat against Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday will confirm their ticket to the Finals, having missed out on the 2022 edition.