Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Monterrey: Graham Arnold expects Iraq to take the FIFA World Cup 2026 by storm after the West Asian nation confirmed qualification with a 2-1 win against Bolivia in their playoff on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein netted the winner in the 53rd minute after Moises Paniagua had cancelled out Ali Al Hamadi's 10th minute opener as Iraq sealed a return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3165125

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Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece. 

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Nuengrutai works her magic on Thailand

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Nuengrutai works her magic on Thailand

Pathum Thani: Head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian’s half-time pep talk proved to be the catalyst for Thailand's stunning comeback against Bangladesh in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group A opener on Wednesday.

Down 2-0 despite a dominant performance, the hosts came out after the break with all guns firing, scoring their goals in a 10-minute blitz from the 69th minute onwards.

China PR can do better, admits Bell

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

China PR can do better, admits Bell

Nonthaburi: China PR head coach Colin Bell had mixed feelings about his squad’s performance as the young Steel Roses began their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ campaign with a 3-0 win over Vietnam in Group A on Wednesday.

While content with obtaining maximum points from the opening match, the Englishman admitted that he expects more from his team in the upcoming games.