UAE and Bento part ways

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

UAE and Bento part ways

Riyadh: The United Arab Emirates Football Association announced the departure of head coach Paulo Bento and his coaching staff on Wednesday.

The announcement followed UAE’s 2-1 win over DPR Korea in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A match on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Bishkek: Head coach Maksim Lisitsyn paid tribute to his squad after Kyrgyz Republic sensationally defeated Qatar 3-1 in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was a result which not only revived the Central Asian side’s campaign but also ended Qatar’s hopes of earning automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup. 

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Saitama: Herve Renard maintained a positive outlook after Saudi Arabia settled for a point following a goalless draw with Japan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Tuesday.

The result, coupled with Australia’s 2-0 win over China PR, saw the Socceroos build a three-point lead over the Green Falcons with two rounds of matches remaining but Renard was pleased with the result given Japan’s quality. 

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Suwon: Head coach Hong Myung-bo accepted responsibility but felt Korea Republic did not do too much wrong after settling for a 1-1 draw with Jordan in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was the East Asian side’s third consecutive stalemate but they remain well on course for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup as they hold a three-point lead over Jordan at the top of the standings with Iraq a further point adrift with two rounds of matches remaining. 

Focused Australia please Popovic

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Focused Australia please Popovic

Hangzhou: Head coach Tony Popovic applauded his side’s clinical performance after Australia secured a vital 2-0 victory over China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Tuesday.

First half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay meant Australia ended the night three points clear of Saudi Arabia in the race to secure automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup.

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: Results & Reports

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD8: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran joined Japan in qualifying for next year's FIFA World Cup after fighting back to hold Uzbekistan 2-2 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group A tie as Matchday 8 concluded on Tuesday.

The result meant Iran are assured of a top two finish after moving to 20 points, with Uzbekistan also well placed to advance as they hold a four-point lead over the United Arab Emirates with two matchdays remaining.

Jordan hung on to second place in Group B after a 1-1 draw with Korea Republic, with Iraq a point adrift after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Palestine, who won at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifies for the first time. Korea Republic, despite playing to a third successive draw, remain in pole position in Group B.

Australia opened a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia following a 2-0 win against China PR. The Socceroos sit on 13 points, seven adrift of already-qualified Japan, who played to a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia.

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 Results & Reports

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Qualifiers - Final Round: MD1 Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday One of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round lived up to expectations as the 24 teams kicked off their campaigns with highs and lows.

With only the six group winners to qualify for the continental showpiece, several teams got off to a fast start in the race to join the 18 sides who sealed their spots after advancing to the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

Stay updated on all the thrills and spills with the-AFC.com.

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Pattaya: Ali Mirshekari was jubilant after Islamic Republic of Iran defeated familiar foes United Arab Emirates 4-3 to take a step further towards defending their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Tuesday.

According to Mirshekari, it was the familiarity of having played each other over the years that acted as a blessing as well as a challenge.

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Pattaya: Mussallam Al Raimi is confident that Oman are on the right track to reclaim the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title after defeating Bahrain 5-1 in their final Thailand 2025 Group D tie on Tuesday.

Making a busy man out of Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool with repeated charges throughout the match before finally getting his name on the scoresheet, the striker is certain that the confidence of remaining unbeaten in the group stage will boost team morale as they seek to reclaim the trophy they won a decade ago.

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Pattaya: Head coach Mohd Saiful Noor praised his charges as Malaysia bowed out of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 with a 3-1 victory against Vietnam in their final Group D match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Tuesday.

Finishing behind Oman and Bahrain, Saiful said the Southeast Asians were exiting the competition with their heads held high.

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Pattaya: As Indonesia concluded their journey at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on a winning note, Agung Teguh is hopeful that the lessons learned will drive the Southeast Asians toward a brighter future.

Indonesia finished third in Group C with a 6-4 victory over Afghanistan in their final match, with Teguh contributing both a goal and an assist.