Round 2 - MD1: 5 things we learned

Sat, 18 Nov, 2023

Round 2 - MD1: 5 things we learned

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ kicked off with a bang on Thursday.

There were ups and downs for the 36 teams in the fray so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five key things from Matchday One.

Queiroz sets perfect target for Qatar

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Queiroz sets perfect target for Qatar

Al Rayyan: Carlos Queiroz has set Qatar the target of winning all their matches following a resounding start to their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign on Thursday.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions were at their best as they cruised to an 8-1 win over Afghanistan in a Group A tie at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Saudi Arabia give Mancini vibrant start

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Saudi Arabia give Mancini vibrant start

Al-Hasa: Roberto Mancini was pleased with his night's work after Saudi Arabia kicked off their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an emphatic win on Thursday. 

The West Asian side were simply too good for Pakistan in their  Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group G tie at Al Fateh Club Stadium with Mancini saying the West Asian side are on the right track. 

Casas confident Iraq can reach FIFA World Cup

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Casas confident Iraq can reach FIFA World Cup

Basra: Iraq have what it takes to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, head coach Jesus Casas said after their 5-1 win over Indonesia on Thursday.

The victory gave the West Asian side the early lead in Group F of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with Vietnam second after beating Philippines 2-0. 

UAE live up to Bento's expectations

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

UAE live up to Bento's expectations

Dubai: Paulo Bento was happy with the United Arab Emirates' attacking flair and defensive resilience in their 4-0 win over Nepal on Thursday.

The victory gave UAE the early lead in Group H of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with Bahrain up next for them on Tuesday. 

Jankovic hails China PR’s indomitable spirit

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Jankovic hails China PR’s indomitable spirit

Bangkok: Head coach Aleksandar Jankovic praised China PR for showing determination in their 2-1 win over 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.

Wu Lei cancelled out Sarach Yooyen’s opener before Wang Shangyuan’s late header completed the comeback win for China PR.

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Aggressive Samurai Blue please Moriyasu

Osaka: Hajime Moriyasu was relieved his pre-match concerns did not come to fruition on Thursday as the Samurai Blue started their challenge in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 with a 5-0 win over Myanmar.

The AFC Coach of the Year saw Ayase Ueda put his side in front in the 11th minute to allay fears his side would struggle to find an early breakthrough before the Japanese went on to claim a comfortable win.

Positive mentality the key to big Australia win, says Arnold

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Positive mentality the key to big Australia win, says Arnold

Melbourne: Graham Arnold was pleased that Australia did not allow a drop of complacency as they kickstarted their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ in style.

Six-time FIFA World Cup participants Australia stamped their class in a 7-0 defeat of Bangladesh at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium that put the Socceroos in good stead in Group I with Palestine up next on Tuesday.

Klinsmann applauds Korea Republic’s character

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Klinsmann applauds Korea Republic’s character

Seoul: Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was effusive in his praise for the patience Korea Republic showed in producing a five-star performance against Singapore in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ match on Thursday.

The Taeguk Warriors had to wait until the 44th minute to get ahead through Cho Gue-sung but once they did, never looked back and eventually ran out comfortable 5-0 winners in front of more than 64,000 fans at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Kim: Humble approach sparked Malaysia’s fightback

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Kim: Humble approach sparked Malaysia’s fightback

Kuala Lumpur: Kim Pan-gon praised his players after Malaysia came from behind to snatch a dramatic 4-3 win 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.

Malaysia took the lead only to find themselves trailing 3-1, with the Harimau Malaya then sending their fans into raptures by clawing their way back with Faisal Halim scoring the winner in added time at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.