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.

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.

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.

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.

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 D: Kyrgyz Republic 1-1 Malaysia

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024

Group D: Kyrgyz Republic 1-1 Malaysia

Bishkek:  Kyrgyz Republic and Malaysia played to a 1-1 draw in their penultimate Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group D match on Thursday.

The result maintained Kyrgyz Republic’s place in the qualifying spots heading into their meeting with already qualified Oman on Tuesday while Malaysia will face Chinese Taipei, with the Southeast Asian side still with an outside chance of progression.

Group D: Chinese Taipei 0-3 Oman

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024

Group D: Chinese Taipei 0-3 Oman

Taipei: A composed Oman blanked Chinese Taipei 3-0 in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ at the Taipei Municipal Stadium on Thursday.

A brace from Rahman Al Mushaifri and a strike from Jameel Al Yahmadi took Oman to 12 points from five matches, brightening their chances of advancing to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the second successive edition.

Colombia 2024 groups finalised

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Colombia 2024 groups finalised

Bogota: Asia's hopefuls discovered their opponents following the draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024 in Bogota, Colombia on Wednesday.

With the tournament expanded to 24 teams from 16 previously, the teams were drawn into six groups for the August 31-September 22 global showpiece.