AFC and Molten unveil Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26

Tue, 25 Jun, 2024

AFC and Molten unveil Official Match Ball for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and global sports equipment manufacturer Molten, Official Global Partner of the AFC’s national team and club competitions, have unveiled today the Official Match Ball that will be used exclusively for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26, taking place from September 2, 2024 to November 18, 2025.

Molten will supply the “AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26” model of their 5th generation Vantaggio for the highly anticipated decisive stages of the Confederation’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which is set to feature the Continent’s top 18 national teams.

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Tue, 18 Jun, 2024

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The pain of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s semi-final exit at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ still stings for Mehdi Taremi but, as the striker tells the-AFC.com, he is choosing to look towards the future; to his impending move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and to what he hopes will be another FIFA World Cup Finals appearance.

No nation knows semi-final heartbreak at the AFC Asian Cup quite like IR Iran; on seven occasions since 1976 - the most recent of the country’s three consecutive continental titles - Team Melli have fallen one hurdle before the tournament’s deciding match.

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will be aiming to get over the final hurdle for the first time when they take their place among the 18 teams in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

Seven previous attempts at FIFA World Cup qualification have seen Uzbekistan falter in the the final round but the Central Asian side look well placed to book a berth in the 2026 Finals, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

How They Got Here: Part 1

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

How They Got Here: Part 1

Kuala Lumpur: With the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ set to take place on June 27, the-AFC.com looks back at how the teams reached the third round of the qualifying campaign. 

A total of 18 sides will be split across three groups, with six teams set to advance directly to the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and a further six to progress to the next stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
 
Asia has a record eight automatic places up for grabs at the FIFA World Cup, with one more team to get the chance of being the continent’s ninth participant via the Inter-Confederation playoffs.
 
Ahead of the draw, there is all to play for in what promises to be a thrilling next phase of qualifying. Here’s how the six sides from Groups A to C of the previous round got to this stage.

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Kuala Lumpur: The United Arab Emirates will leave no stone unturned in their bid to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the West Asian side determined to hit the ground running in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign.

The UAE, seeking a second appearance at the global showpiece, came agonisingly close to qualifying for the Qatar 2022 edition with Australia ending their campaign in the Asian playoff.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will not be short of confidence as they embark on their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, with the West Asian side aiming to qualify for their third consecutive and seventh overall FIFA World Cup.

Despite finishing second in Group G on goal difference, Saudi Arabia demonstrated their strength with 13 points and a solid performance throughout the second round. 

Know Your Team: Palestine

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine will open a new chapter in their footballing history when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

A historic second round campaign means Palestine’s FIFA World Cup dream remains alive as the qualifiers head into the third round with the West Asian side hoping to take their place in the 2026 global showpiece which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.