'Like a dream' as Cho gets late Korea Republic call-up

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

'Like a dream' as Cho gets late Korea Republic call-up

Seoul: Cho Wi-je was playing in Korea Republic's second division a year ago. Now he is heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being called up as a late injury replacement.

The 24-year-old defender has been drafted into Korea Republic's squad after Cho Yu-min was ruled out with a foot injury following the 5-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.

Cho was already with the squad as a training partner and now he is in contention to play against Korea Republic's Group A opponents South Africa, Czechia and co-hosts Mexico.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176594

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3176596

Asian Moments: 2014

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Asian Moments: 2014

Kuala Lumpur: We are getting closer and closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and as the global showpiece is expanded to 48 teams, the-AFC.com continues its series where we revisit the performances of Asian teams in the prestigious tournament over the years.

Korea Republic, Japan and Australia continued their tradition of representing Asia, while 2014 marked a return after 16 years of absence for Islamic Republic of Iran, but unlike in South Africa four years earlier, there would be no AFC representation in the knockout stage this time.

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Istanbul: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir ⁠Ghalenoei placed his faith in veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh as he named his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Monday.

Taremi, 33, who plays for ⁠Olympiacos, and former Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jahanbakhsh, will ​lead the attack ‌in the tournament.

Arnold goes for experienced Iraq squad

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Arnold goes for experienced Iraq squad

Barcelona: Head coach Graham Arnold named an experienced squad as Iraq look forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Set for only their second appearance at the global showpiece, Iraq will have to contend with former champions France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.

Al Dawsari, Abdulhamid to lead Saudi Arabia

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Al Dawsari, Abdulhamid to lead Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Salem Al Dawsari will lead Saudi Arabia's challenge at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the forward set to make his third appearance at the global showpiece.

Head coach Georgios Donis named his final squad on Monday, with Lens defender Saud Abdulhamid also expected to play a prominent role in Saudi Arabia's bid to advance past the group stage.

Al Hilal SFC’s Al ‌Dawsari, the 2025 AFC Player of the Year, scored the winner in Saudi Arabia's 2-1 upset of Argentina in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opener.

Volpato gets Australia nod

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Volpato gets Australia nod

Sydney: Head coach Tony Popovic named Italy under-21 international Cristian Volpato in Australia's 26-strong squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday after he switched allegiance last week.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who was born and raised in Sydney and plays for Sassuolo in Serie A, is one of two uncapped players along with Japan-based striker Tete Yengi.