Asian Moments: 1986

Fri, 22 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1986

Kuala Lumpur: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com continues its series of looking back at how the Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years.

Having looked at the early editions the last time out, we turn our focus to the 1986 tournament in Mexico when Iraq made their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup and Korea Republic returned 32 years after making their debut in 1954.

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

Debutant Beath vows to seize Qatar 2022 opportunity

Wed, 26 Oct, 2022

Debutant Beath vows to seize Qatar 2022 opportunity

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match officials continue to shine on the world stage with 19 match officials selected for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, an additional three from the last edition.

Amongst the AFC’s cast of referees is none other than Christopher Beath, who was added to the FIFA International Referees List in 2011 before rising quickly through the ranks with a host of high-profile appointments.
 
In this exclusive interview with the-AFC.com, Beath shares his insights on being selected for the FIFA World Cup for the first time and talks about his preparations leading up to the showpiece.

AFC Assistant Referees ready to shine in Qatar 2022

Tue, 25 Oct, 2022

AFC Assistant Referees ready to shine in Qatar 2022

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s match officials will be well represented at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a record 19 Referees, Assistant Referees and Video Match Officials (VMOs) appointed.

As they represent the Continent at the highest level, the-AFC.com profiles the Assistant Referees who will be on duty in Qatar 2022. 

Experienced Faghani relishing Qatar 2022 adventure

Fri, 21 Oct, 2022

Experienced Faghani relishing Qatar 2022 adventure

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match officials continue to shine on the world stage with 19 match officials selected for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, an additional three from the last edition.

A well-respected international match official, Alireza Faghani has taken charge of a number of high-profile matches in Asia and beyond and is widely regarded as amongst the best in the world of refereeing.
 
In this exclusive interview with the-AFC.com, Faghani shares his insights on being selected for the FIFA World Cup for the third time and talks about his preparations leading up to the showpiece.

Abdulrahman ready for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Fri, 21 Oct, 2022

Abdulrahman ready for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) match officials continue to shine on the world stage with 19 match officials selected for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, an additional three from the last edition. 

With the AFC match officials earning plaudits for their recent achievements on the international stage, Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim has praised the AFC’s educational programmes that have sharpened their abilities and provided the necessary knowledge and guidance to improve.
 
In this exclusive interview with the-AFC.com, Abdulrahman shares the emotions of being selected in the FIFA World Cup staged in West Asia for the first time and talks about his preparations leading up to the showpiece.