South Africa brace for Azteca test against Mexico

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

South Africa brace for Azteca test against Mexico

Mexico City: South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.

Broos, 74, will be making an emotional return to the Estadio Azteca when he leads South Africa into their daunting Group A assignment in Mexico City.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177642

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3177644

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Czechia

Fri, 12 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.

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.

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. 

Focus: Group A

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group A

Paris: If history is any guide, co-hosts Mexico will kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 with every reason to be confident of comfortably advancing into the knockout rounds from Group A.

Mexico, the only country to host three World Cups, reached the quarter-finals on the two previous occasions the tournament was played on home soil, in 1970 and 1986.

The co-hosts get the tournament under way against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 before later group stage games against Korea Republic and Czechia.