Japan change training sites over conditions

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Japan change training sites over conditions

Monterrey: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad had to twice change their training pitches in Mexico because of the poor condition of the fields, Japanese media said, in a turbulent start to preparations.

Hajime Moriyasu's side initially earmarked a practice pitch belonging to Tigres UANL in Monterrey after landing in Mexico this week.

But the condition was poor after recent bad weather and the team switched to a field reserved for Japan's under-19 team, the Sports Hochi newspaper said.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177032

Focus: Group E

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group E

Paris: Four-time champions Germany head to North America seeking to break their more recent FIFA World Cup hoodoo after failing to make it out of the group stage at the last two editions.

Since Mario Goetze's extra-time winner at the Maracana in the 2014 final, perennial FIFA World Cup contenders Germany have had a miserable time on football's biggest stage.

Focus: Group F

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group F

Paris: Sweden are hoping a strikeforce featuring Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres can fire them through a tricky FIFA World Cup Group F, after they scraped into the tournament without winning a single group game in qualifying.

Graham Potter's side will take on the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in North America, bidding to extend their run of reaching the knockout phase at each of the past four FIFA World Cups they have qualified for.

Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Iraq hold Spain; IR Iran ease past Mali

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq fought back to hold European champions Spain to a 1-1 draw while Islamic Republic of Iran cruised 2-0 past Mali in international friendlies ahead of their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 opening fixtures.

Graham Arnold's Iraq face Norway in their Group I opener, while IR Iran begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand.

Delighted Al Gahwashi promises more from Yemen

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Delighted Al Gahwashi promises more from Yemen

Doha: Nasser Al Gahwashi said Yemen must continue to raise the bar after his brace secured a 2-0 victory over Lebanon on Thursday and booked the nation's place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The Zakho SC midfielder broke the deadlock with a curling effort after the hour mark, before adding the finishing touch in the 90th minute to send Noureddine Ould Ali’s side to the top of the Qualifiers Final Round Group B standings and book the final spot to the Finals.

#ACLTwo - Vote for your Favourite Magic Moment of the Season: Presented by STA

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

#ACLTwo - Vote for your Favourite Magic Moment of the Season: Presented by STA

Kuala Lumpur: From dramatic winners and impossible comebacks to moments of pure brilliance between the posts, the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ season delivered memories that fans will never forget.

We have shortlisted some of the most iconic moments from across the season. Rewatch the moments, relive the emotion and vote for your Favourite Magic Moment of the Season - Presented by STA.