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.

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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.

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.

Stay with the-AFC.com for all the latest action.

Know Your team - China PR

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Know Your team - China PR

Kuala Lumpur: China PR will be aiming to create history at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025, seeking to progress beyond the group stage for the first time with the tournament kicking off on Friday.

Appearing in their fourth Finals, China PR will look to build on their encouraging run at the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, where they finished fourth to secure their spot in Morocco.

Shaikh Salman backs world-class Asian teams to shine again

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Shaikh Salman backs world-class Asian teams to shine again

Kuala Lumpur: With three former Asian world champions—including the current title-holders—set to compete for glory at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2025, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President has outlined his confidence in Asia’s rising stars to create more history in Rabat.

Scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 8, the global showpiece enters a new era with an expanded 24-team format for the first time with DPR Korea looking to clinch a record-extending fourth title, and Japan and Korea Republic eyeing a second crown whilst China PR aim to create history with their first.

AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM: All You Need to Know

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM: All You Need to Know

Riyadh: Asia’s finest will convene on Thursday (October 16) night at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM, where the outstanding achievements from a remarkable 2024/25 will be feted.

The most prestigious night of the annual Asian Football Confederation (AFC) calendar will unfold at the stunning King Fahad Cultural Center starting from 8pm local time as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stages the event for the first time.