Matchday 4: How the Groups stand

Sun, 24 Mar, 2024

Matchday 4: How the Groups stand

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Four of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ promises to be an exciting affair with 17 matches scheduled.

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. The-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand ahead of Tuesday's matches.

#AsianQualifiers - MD3: Five things we learned

Sat, 23 Mar, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - MD3: Five things we learned

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Three of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ lived up to expectations with scintillating action on Thursday. 

As the teams traverse the continent for Tuesday's next round of games, the-AFC.com takes a look at five things we learned from Matchday Three. 

Qatar showed real quality in second half, says Lopez

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Qatar showed real quality in second half, says Lopez

Doha: Marquez Lopez was proud of Qatar's ability to increase their tempo in the 3-0 win over Kuwait in Group A of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

After a goalless first half, Akram Afif scored twice and Ahmed Al Rawi the other as Qatar all but made sure of their place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 with their third consecutive victory.

Bento urges UAE to seal early progress

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Bento urges UAE to seal early progress

Abu Dhabi: Paulo Bento wants United Arab Emirates to get the job done when they meet Yemen in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group H reverse fixture on Tuesday.

Bento's charges went within one victory of securing their place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 spot with a 2-1 win over Yemen on Thursday, taking them to a perfect nine points. 

Mancini: Fans were Saudi Arabia's 12th player

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Mancini: Fans were Saudi Arabia's 12th player

Riyadh: Roberto Mancini thanked the fans after Saudi Arabia edged Tajikistan 1-0 in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group G tie on Thursday.

Salem Al Dawsari's first half strike settled proceedings at the Al Awwal Park as Saudi Arabia made it three wins out of three to move five points clear of Tajikistan and Jordan.

IR Iran, Uzbekistan set to book spots

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

IR Iran, Uzbekistan set to book spots

Hong Kong: Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan left themselves well placed to advance from Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with commanding wins on Thursday.

Iran defeated Turkmenistan 5-0 at the Azadi Stadium while Uzbekistan beat Hong Kong, China 2-0 to keep pace with the Central Asian side at the top of the standings, with both on seven points.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei was pleased with the emphatic scoreline, given the limited time his side had to prepare for the tie.

Casas proud of Iraq’s resolve

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Casas proud of Iraq’s resolve

Basra:Jesus Casas was delighted to see Iraq come through a tough test after they beat Philippines 1-0 in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to secure their third win on the trot in Group F.

Mohanad Ali struck the winner in the 84th minute against a disciplined Philippines side playing for the first time under new head coach Tom Saintfiet with Casas proud of how his charges navigated a difficult situation.

Silhavy applauds Oman’s drive; focused Kyrgyz Republic thrill Tarkovic

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Silhavy applauds Oman’s drive; focused Kyrgyz Republic thrill Tarkovic

Muscat: Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy was delighted after his side cruised to a 2-0 win over Malaysia to revive their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group D hopes on Thursday.

The West Asian side could have won by a wider margin but Silhavy was pleased with the performance of the players in the Czech’s first match as head coach. 
 

Australia’s Arnold satisfied; Palestine’s Daboub applauds Dabbagh

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Australia’s Arnold satisfied; Palestine’s Daboub applauds Dabbagh

Sydney: Graham Arnold had mixed emotions after Australia recorded their third straight win in Group I of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, defeating Lebanon 2-0 on Thursday.

Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles scored for the Socceroos but while the result was pleasing, the performance left much to be desired with Arnold expecting better control of the game when the two teams meet again on Tuesday.

Ishii credits Thailand’s confidence; Korea Republic’s Son happy despite draw

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Ishii credits Thailand’s confidence; Korea Republic’s Son happy despite draw

Seoul: Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii credited his players' confidence after they held  Korea Republic to a 1-1 draw 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.

Son Heung-min put Korea Republic in front going into the break before a resurgent Thailand levelled the tie through substitute Suphanat Mueanta.

Japan’s Moriyasu pleased with “difficult” win

Fri, 22 Mar, 2024

Japan’s Moriyasu pleased with “difficult” win

Tokyo: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu defended Japan's performance, saying his players showed "persistence till the very end despite difficult circumstances" in their 1-0 win over DPR Korea in Group B of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Ao Tanaka’s second minute goal meant Japan made it three wins out of three to move five points clear at the top, with Myanmar and Syria playing to a 1-1 draw in the other tie.
 
Japan are well on course for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers which will also seal AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualification and that was all that Moriyasu was concerned about.