Asian Moments: 1990

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1990

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 with nine Asian sides among the 48 teams vying for the coveted trophy.

As we count down towards the opening game between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, the-AFC.com continues our journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.

The 1990 FIFA World Cup saw Korea Republic and the United Arab Emirates make strides forward in their footballing histories.

Despite not winning a single game, Korea Republic ended up unearthing two players who would forever become icons of Korean football, while the UAE’s rise to prominence in Asian football was marked with a debut FIFA World Cup appearance six years before they reached the AFC Asian Cup™ final.

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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.

Know your team: Australia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: With a historic nine Asian sides among the cast of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the continent is set for a fiesta of football.

As the kick-off to the global showpiece rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a deep look as the Asian hopefuls, with Australia kicking off the series.

Tony Popovic's side will be aiming to reach new heights after overcoming a difficult start to cruise through the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Mon, 25 May, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 spotlight: Alireza Faghani – AFC Referee

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 match officials are set to represent the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Ahead of their campaign on the world’s grandest stage, the-AFC.com caught up with the officials who will be blowing the whistle in the 2026 edition of the global showpiece.

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Europe Wrap: Cheers and tears for Asia’s best as season ends

Kuala Lumpur: With major European leagues officially closed for the season, there was much cheer for Japan’s Daizen Maeda, Korea Republic’s Lee Kang-in and his countryman Kim Min-jae, who were part of championship-winning squads in Scotland, France and Germany.

There was also disappointment for other continental stars as their clubs were relegated, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.