Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Feisty Japan veteran Nagatomo still hungry

Tokyo: Mellowing with age was never likely for Japan's 39-year-old Yuto Nagatomo, who is as irrepressible as ever as he prepares for his fifth FIFA World Cup - an Asian record.

The left-back may not be able to get around the pitch as quickly as he could during his Inter Milan heyday, but his relentless enthusiasm could be Japan's secret weapon in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Son 'feeling great' despite goal drought

Salt Lake City: Son Heung-min said he was "feeling great" ahead of the FIFA World Cup and backed himself to perform despite suggestions that Korea Republic's talismanic captain's powers are on the wane.

The 33-year-old skipper has scored only two goals since leaving Premier League side Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in the MLS in August last year.

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.

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.