Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Sydney: Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia head coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever FIFA World Cup.

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the Round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

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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.

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.

Know your team: IR Iran

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will take it one step at a time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they bid to make history at the global showpiece.

Three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners, Iran have been at the forefront of Asian football for decades and will be on a mission to translate that success onto the global stage.

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.

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.