Son keeping 'fired-up' teammates calm ahead of kick-off

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

Son keeping 'fired-up' teammates calm ahead of kick-off

Mexico City: Korea Republic captain Son Heung-min said his teammates were so excited about their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Czechia he could "feel it in their eyes".

Son will lead out his side on Thursday in the tournament's second match after co-hosts Mexico kick-off the showpiece against South Africa.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177638

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Czechia

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Czechia

Zapopan: Korea Republic will be determined to kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with victory against Czechia when the sides meet in Group A on Thursday.

The East Asian side will head into the encounter with a spring in their step after having defeated El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago in the buildup.

Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece. 

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Saudi Arabia extend unbeaten run; Iraq go down to Venezuela

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Saudi Arabia extend unbeaten run; Iraq go down to Venezuela

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia played to a goalless draw with Senegal while Iraq fell to a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela in international friendlies ahead of their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 opening fixtures.

The draw extended Saudi Arabia's unbeaten run under Georgios Donis and provided another useful test ahead of their campaign in Group H with Spain, Uruguay and Cabo Verde their opponents.

Graham Arnold's Iraq side will look to regroup as they prepare for their Group I campaign against France, Senegal and Norway.

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

Gakpo denies Uzbekistan

New York: Uzbekistan suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in a closed-door FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up at Icahn Stadium on Monday, with Cody Gakpo converting a decisive penalty with virtually the final kick of the game.

Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.