Know your team: Jordan

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan play at their first World Cup determined to show they belong at football's top table and with Lionel Messi's Argentina presenting the most daunting of prospects.

Jamal Sellami's side face Austria in a tough Group J on their World Cup debut on June 16, followed by Algeria and then reigning champions Argentina in their final pool game in Dallas.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176020

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-b-oman-0-3-jordan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_semi-final__jordan_2_-_0_korea_republic_1.html

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176034

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176036

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176038

Know your team: Iraq

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq's veteran Australian coach Graham Arnold is hoping his team can pull off a shock on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a remarkable and gruelling journey to this year's tournament in North America.

The West Asian side sealed a return to the global stage with their last possible chance - defeating Bolivia in the Inter-Confederation Playoff.

Know your team: Japan

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

With the exception of the three hosts – Canada, Mexico and the USA – Japan were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals, winning their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 group at a canter.

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: 2002

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 2002

Kuala Lumpur: 2002 was a special year in the history of Asian football as, for the first time since the first ball was kicked at the 1930 edition in Uruguay, the FIFA World Cup finally came to Asia.

The 17th edition of the global showpiece was also the first to be co-hosted as Japan and Korea Republic joined forces to deliver a festival of football in which they both excelled, with the Taeguk Warriors producing a remarkable run to the semi-finals. 

There was also a first and, to date, only appearance from China PR, while Saudi Arabia returned for a third successive time.