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Know your team: Iraq

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq's veteran Australian coach Graham Arnold is hoping his team can pull off a shock on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a remarkable and gruelling journey to this year's tournament in North America.

The West Asian side sealed a return to the global stage with their last possible chance - defeating Bolivia in the Inter-Confederation Playoff.

Asian Moments: 1998

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1998

Kuala Lumpur: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com continues its series of looking back at how the Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years.

With the World Cup expanding into 32 teams for the first time, Asia benefited from 3.5 seats at France 1998. Just as they did in the previous edition, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic were present, while Japan took the third spot and Islamic Republic of Iran ensured the AFC had a four-team contingent for the first-time ever, snatching the qualification ticket in the Intercontinental Playoff from Australia, then representing the OFC.

Know your team: Japan

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

With the exception of the three hosts – Canada, Mexico and the USA – Japan were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals, winning their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 group at a canter.

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Sydney: Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia head coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever FIFA World Cup.

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the Round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

Asian Moments: 1994

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1994

Kuala Lumpur: As we move ever closer towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the football world converging on Canada, Mexico and the United States for the global showpiece, the-AFC.com continues its series where we look back at the displays of Asian teams in the tournament over the years.

Having reviewed the 1990 competition last time round, we turn our focus to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States which was the last one with just two representatives from Asia and where the displays by both Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic only justified the inclusion of more Asian nations in the later editions.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Fu Ming – AFC Video Match Official

Thu, 28 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Fu Ming – AFC Video Match Official

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Tokyo: Mellowing with age was never likely for Japan's 39-year-old Yuto Nagatomo, who is as irrepressible as ever as he prepares for his fifth FIFA World Cup - an Asian record.

The left-back may not be able to get around the pitch as quickly as he could during his Inter Milan heyday, but his relentless enthusiasm could be Japan's secret weapon in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Know your team: IR Iran

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will take it one step at a time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they bid to make history at the global showpiece.

Three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners, Iran have been at the forefront of Asian football for decades and will be on a mission to translate that success onto the global stage.

Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Salt Lake City: Son Heung-min said he was "feeling great" ahead of the FIFA World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that Korea Republic's talismanic captain's powers are on the wane.

The 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League side Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.

Asian Moments: 1990

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1990

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 with nine Asian sides among the 48 teams vying for the coveted trophy.

As we count down towards the opening game between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, the-AFC.com continues our journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup saw Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates make strides forward in their footballing histories.

Despite not winning a single game, Korea Republic ended up unearthing two players who would forever become icons of Korean football, while the UAE’s rise to prominence in Asian football was marked with a debut FIFA World Cup appearance six years before they reached the AFC Asian Cup™ final.

Know your team: Australia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: With a historic nine Asian sides among the cast of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the continent is set for a fiesta of football.

As the kick-off to the global showpiece rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a deep look as the Asian hopefuls, with Australia kicking off the series.

Tony Popovic's side will be aiming to reach new heights after overcoming a difficult start to cruise through the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Mon, 25 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Photos

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers ™ – Road to 26 Playoffs served up the full spread: late drama, nerveless finishes and strikes you could frame.

We've shortlisted the pick of the goals from the Playoffs — some born of slick team craft, others from pure individual audacity. Relive the moments below and back your favourite. 

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Kuala Lumpur: From Matchday 1 to the final playoff whistle, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 served up everything: runaway leaders, shock upsets, late dramas, and those razor-edged calls that separated the cautious from the courageous.  

Here's the Post-Tournament Recap for Match Predictor players—best picks, biggest shocks, and the moments that swung leagues and ladders. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-iraq-2-1-uae

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Basra: Graham Arnold urged his players to remain focused after Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to seal place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate. 

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/photo/playoffs-knockout-stage-2nd-leg-iraq-v-uae

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Basra: Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Iraq over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that takes Graham Arnold’s side into the Intercontinental Playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in the return leg of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage second leg in front of a packed Basra International Stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Basra:  Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are set for another tantalising showdown in the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage on Tuesday.

The first leg in Abu Dhabi ended in a 1-1 draw, with Iraq taking the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, with Luanzinho equalising for the UAE. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-uae-1-1-iraq

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has called on his players to show courage as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage tie against Iraq, following a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.

Videos

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Tue, 30 Dec, 2025

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: History was made in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 as two nations sealed FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

Jordan and Uzbekistan ended their long waits in deserving fashion as they upstaged bigger names to book their tickets to next year's Finals to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/asia-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Top Goal of the Playoffs presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Qualifiers ™ – Road to 26 Playoffs served up the full spread: late drama, nerveless finishes and strikes you could frame.

We've shortlisted the pick of the goals from the Playoffs — some born of slick team craft, others from pure individual audacity. Relive the moments below and back your favourite. 

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Match Predictor Recap

Kuala Lumpur: From Matchday 1 to the final playoff whistle, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 served up everything: runaway leaders, shock upsets, late dramas, and those razor-edged calls that separated the cautious from the courageous.  

Here's the Post-Tournament Recap for Match Predictor players—best picks, biggest shocks, and the moments that swung leagues and ladders. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-iraq-2-1-uae

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Arnold: Iraq must continue working hard

Basra: Graham Arnold urged his players to remain focused after Iraq secured a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday to seal place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Amir Al Ammari struck a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, following Mohanad Ali’s equaliser after Caio Lucas had opened the scoring for UAE with Iraq winning 3-2 on aggregate. 

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Soonsup-Bell delighted to have delivered for Thailand

Colombo: Jude Soonsup-Bell had a debut to remember after helping Thailand defeat Sri Lanka 4-0 in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group D tie on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old - making his competitive debut for Thailand - scored twice after coming on in the 66th minute to replace Teerasak Poeiphimai with the Grimsby Town forward pleased with how the match turned out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/photo/playoffs-knockout-stage-2nd-leg-iraq-v-uae

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Wed, 19 Nov, 2025

Iraq beat UAE to keep qualification hopes alive

Basra: Amir Al Ammari’s penalty 17 minutes into stoppage time secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Iraq over the United Arab Emirates in Basra on Tuesday to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory that takes Graham Arnold’s side into the Intercontinental Playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Al Ammari hit the winner after teammate Mohanad Ali had struck in the 65th minute to cancel out Caio Lucas’ 52nd minute opener for the visitors in the return leg of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage second leg in front of a packed Basra International Stadium.

The win keeps Iraq’s FIFA World Cup dream alive as the country attempts to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1986 by booking a place in the Playoffs, which will be held in March.

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Mon, 17 Nov, 2025

Preview - Playoffs Knockout Stage 2nd Leg: Iraq (1) v (1) UAE

Basra:  Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are set for another tantalising showdown in the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage on Tuesday.

The first leg in Abu Dhabi ended in a 1-1 draw, with Iraq taking the lead through Ali Al Hamadi, with Luanzinho equalising for the UAE. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-uae-1-1-iraq

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has called on his players to show courage as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage tie against Iraq, following a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.