Ghalenoei: IR Iran did well to beat Hong Kong, China

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Ghalenoei: IR Iran did well to beat Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong: Amir Ghalenoei expressed his satisfaction with Islamic Republic of Iran's performance in their 4-2 win over Hong Kong, China in Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Having already booked their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals, Iran faced stiff resistance from a Hong Kong side who were already out of the running.

However, a Mehdi Taremi hat-trick powered them to a 4-2 win with their clash against Uzbekistan on Tuesday to decide the group winners. 

Kim believes Malaysia will do it

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Kim believes Malaysia will do it

Bishkek: Head coach Kim Pan Gon is adamant that Malaysia still have a chance despite settling for a 1-1 draw against Kyrgyz Republic in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday. 

The result left Malaysia third in the standings, three points behind their Central Asian opponents with Oman having confirmed qualification after a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei. 

Kim’s side face Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, needing to win by a sizable margin and hoping that Oman defeat Kyrgyz Republic to achieve a miraculous qualification for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers and secure an early ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup.

Arnold praises resilient Socceroos

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Arnold praises resilient Socceroos

Dhaka: Head coach Graham Arnold applauded his players after Australia overcame tough conditions to defeat Bangladesh 2-0 in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group I tie on Thursday.

Having already secured their spot in the next round ahead of the clash in Dhaka, the challenge was for Australia to maintain their winning streak and keep another clean sheet - tests which the Socceroos passed with flying colours under humid conditions.

Westwood’s Afghanistan focused on making history; India’s Stimac looking ahead

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Westwood’s Afghanistan focused on making history; India’s Stimac looking ahead

Al Hasa: Ashley Westwood believes the point Afghanistan earned against Qatar in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group A match will prove valuable in the final reckoning.

The Afghanistan head coach is aiming to lead the team to historic firsts by reaching the Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 as well securing a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, with the Central Asian side needing to better India’s result in the final set of matches on Tuesday.

Ivankovic confident of China PR’s chances

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Ivankovic confident of China PR’s chances

Shenyang: Branko Ivankovic is confident of China PR’s chances despite needing a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw with Thailand in Group C of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Thailand struck through Supachok Sarachat in the 20th minute with Behram Abduweli equalising to maintain their three-point advantage over the Thais heading into Tuesday’s final matchday.

China need a draw against group winners Korea Republic while Thailand have to beat Singapore by a sizable margin and hope Ivankovic’s side lose to stand a chance of progressing.

Round 2 - MD5: Results & Reports

Fri, 07 Jun, 2024

Round 2 - MD5: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine were the history makers as Matchday Five of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Thursday.

A goalless draw with Lebanon saw Palestine booking their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time as well as confirming a fourth consecutive appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Finals.

Also through to the next stage were Korea Republic as a 7-0 defeat of Singapore meant they are well on course for an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals.

The-AFC.com recaps how Matchday Five unfolded, with 13 of the 18 FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers third round spots filled.

Group E: Uzbekistan 3-1 Turkmenistan

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024

Group E: Uzbekistan 3-1 Turkmenistan

Tashkent: Uzbekistan maintained their pursuit of top spot in Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with a 3-1 win over Turkmenistan at Bunyodkor Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Oston Urunov and Sherzod Nasrullayev earned Srecko Katanec’s side all three points after Husniddin Aliqulov’s opener had been cancelled out by Shansar Tirkisow and the win means Uzbekistan move onto 13 points and level with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The pair face off in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday with Uzbekistan needing to win to take top spot due to their inferior goal difference over a side against which they drew 2-2 when the nations faced off in Tashkent in November.

Group E: Hong Kong, China 2-4 IR Iran

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024

Group E: Hong Kong, China 2-4 IR Iran

Hong Kong: Islamic Republic of Iran survived a stiff test from Hong Kong, China to walk away with a 4-2 win in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group E tie on Thursday.

Mehdi Taremi led by example with a hat-trick as IR Iran stayed unbeaten, moving to 13 points with a match against Uzbekistan to come on Tuesday that will decide the group winners.