Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185246

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3185247

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Group B: Malaysia roar; Thailand cruise

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Group B: Malaysia roar; Thailand cruise

Yangon: Two goals in five second-half minutes from captain Paulo Josue earned Malaysia a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Myanmar in Yangon on Saturday as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side made a winning start to Group B in the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Thailand, meanwhile, began their bid to reclaim the title with an impressive 5-0 defeat of Laos.