Group B: Japan 1-0 DPR Korea

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024

Group B: Japan 1-0 DPR Korea

Tokyo: Ao Tanaka’s second minute goal kept Hajime Moriyasu’s side perfect in Group B of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday as Japan picked up a 1-0 win over DPR Korea in Tokyo.

Tanaka, a surprise exclusion from the squad that travelled to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, slotted in after 81 seconds at National Stadium to secure a win that moves the Samurai Blue onto nine points from their first three games in the current phase of the preliminaries.

The nations are due to meet again in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Stadium on Tuesday with DPR Korea still on three points at the halfway stage having defeated Myanmar earlier in the campaign.

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Round 2 - MD3: Results & Reports

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Round 2 - MD3: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Three of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Thursday with another round of exciting action across the continent.

Reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar, Japan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Australia remained firmly in control of their respective groups with victories while Korea Republic were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Thailand. 
 
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
 
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying. Stay updated on all the reaction from Thursday's matches with the-AFC.com with the teams to play again on Tuesday. 

Group I: Australia 2-0 Lebanon

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024

Group I: Australia 2-0 Lebanon

Sydney: Australia made it three wins out of three matches in their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign as they defeated Lebanon 2-0 in Group I on Thursday.

Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles scored their first international goals for the home side early in each half as the Socceroos posted a comfortable victory at a packed Western Sydney Stadium.

Group G: Pakistan 0-3 Jordan

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024

Group G: Pakistan 0-3 Jordan

Islamabad: Jordan earned their first win in Group G of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after they defeated Pakistan 3-0 on Thursday.

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ runners-up produced a clinical performance, going two up in the first 45 minutes before finishing the job in the second half to reignite their push for a place in the next stage, moving up to four points with the reverse fixture against Pakistan to come on Tuesday.

Group D: Chinese Taipei 0-2 Kyrgyz Republic

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Group D: Chinese Taipei 0-2 Kyrgyz Republic

Kaohsiung: Kyrgyz Republic secured their second win in a row after defeating Chinese Taipei  2-0 in their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group D tie at the Nanzih Football Stadium on Thursday.

Second half goals from Valeriy Kichin and Kai Merk sealed the three points for Stefan Tarkovic’s men, with the two sides to meet again in Bishkek on Tuesday.

Asian hopefuls learn path to Paris 2024 glory

Thu, 21 Mar, 2024

Asian hopefuls learn path to Paris 2024 glory

Paris: Japan were drawn in Group C of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 while Australia will open their campaign in Group B following the official draw in Paris on Wednesday.

The continent's representatives in the Men’s Tournament will be decided at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™, with three automatic slots and a possible fourth from a playoff available.