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Preview - Group I: Iraq v Norway

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group I: Iraq v Norway

Foxborough: Iraq will be determined to mark their return to the global stage with victory against heavily-fancied Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I opener on Tuesday.

The West Asian side's only previous appearance at the Finals was in 1986.

Preview - Group J: Austria v Jordan

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group J: Austria v Jordan

Santa Clara: Jordan will spare no effort in ensuring a grand start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J campaign against Austria on Tuesday.

The West Asian side will be making their global stage debut, having secured qualification in impressive fashion.

History beckons for ageless Messi

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

History beckons for ageless Messi

Kansas City: Lionel Messi could have signed off from FIFA World Cup football on the ultimate high in 2022 but he is back and poised to become the first man to play in six tournaments.

The veteran Argentine forward, on the cusp of winning his 200th cap, confirmed four years ago that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 would be the last of his storied career.

He worked his unique magic in the Gulf state, propelling his side to glory with seven goals, including two in a captivating final against France.

Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group F: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Guadalupe: Sweden crushed Tunisia 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Sunday to leave the North African nation's defensive reputation in tatters and seize control of Group F.

Yasin Ayari opened the scoring early in the Mexican city of Guadalupe with a thunderbolt from distance and Alexander Isak doubled Sweden's lead in the 30th minute.

 

Omar Rekik pulled a goal back shortly before half-time but Viktor Gyokeres restored Sweden's two-goal cushion. Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 before another stunner from Ayari.

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Vancouver: Head coach Tony Popovic is confident Australia are capable of much more after the impressive 2-0 win against Türkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday.

While goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win, Popovic's decision to opt for rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in place of Maty Ryan Jackson Irvine respectively proved to be a masterstroke, with both delivering on the grandest of stages.

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Lopetegui: Qatar have earned the right to dream

Santa Clara: Julen Lopetegui has urged his players to keep believing after Qatar secured a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B opener on Saturday.

Boualem Khoukhi's late equaliser sealed Qatar their first ever FIFA World Cup point, with their debut as hosts four years ago ending in three defeats.

Group E: Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group E: Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador

Philadelphia: Manchester United's Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute as Cote D’Ivoire stunned Ecuador and their huge support to edge a tight affair 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E opener on Sunday.

The encounter had looked set to finish 0-0, hardly a surprise given Ecuador's incredible defensive record during qualifying, and that result may well have suited both teams.
 
But the 23-year-old Diallo, who had been introduced in place of Bazoumana Toure shortly before the hour mark, had other ideas as he finished first-time from a right-wing cross right just as the game was heading for injury time.

Spain's De la Fuente takes cautious approach with Yamal

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente takes cautious approach with Yamal

Atlanta: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that Lamine Yamal is fit but will begin the European champions' FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde on the bench.

Barcelona superstar Yamal has not played since suffering a hamstring injury on April 22.

There were fears the 18-year-old could miss Spain's opening two games of the FIFA World Cup, but he has trained all week and is set to feature in Atlanta on Monday.

Group F: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Group F: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Arlington: Japan scored an 88th-minute equaliser as they twice fought back to rescue a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in front of 69,285 fans in Texas on Sunday to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns.

A match that had bubbled away in the first period sparked into life in the second half.

Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk scored with a fine header, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's delicious curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour.

The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-f-netherlands-v-japan

Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make slow start

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make slow start

East Rutherford: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said that "you don't win a World Cup based on your first match" after the five-time champions laboured to a 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday.

The Selecao were in danger of losing their opening game at a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1934 after falling behind to Ismael Saibari's goal in New Jersey.

Vinicius Junior struck a superb equaliser to earn a point for Brazil, but Ancelotti admitted it was not the type of performance expected from his team.

McGinn eyes 'uncharted territory' after Scotland end long wait

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

McGinn eyes 'uncharted territory' after Scotland end long wait

Foxborough: Scotland match-winner John McGinn is optimistic his team can go on to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages for the very first time after marking their return to the tournament following a 28-year absence with a 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday.

A deflected strike from the Aston Villa midfielder in the first half in Boston proved enough for Scotland to claim the victory in their Group C opener, although they were left hanging on towards the end as Haiti put them under pressure.

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.