Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr, 2026

Asian officials ready to shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

Kuala Lumpur: A total of 25 Asian match officials have been appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – six more than in the 2022 edition of the global showpiece.

In a landmark achievement for the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) sterling efforts in developing elite refereeing talent, the upcoming tournament will mark the first-ever appointment of an AFC Referee Academy graduate in Abdullah Alshehri, who was selected as a Video Match Official (VMO).

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Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Arnold: Iraq will surprise the world

Monterrey: Graham Arnold expects Iraq to take the FIFA World Cup 2026 by storm after the West Asian nation confirmed qualification with a 2-1 win against Bolivia in their playoff on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein netted the winner in the 53rd minute after Moises Paniagua had cancelled out Ali Al Hamadi's 10th minute opener as Iraq sealed a return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut 40 years ago.

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Moriyasu: Beating England a boost to Japan's confidence

London: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said his team's historic 1-0 win against England on Tuesday would give them the confidence to make a major impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kaoru Mitoma's composed finish in the first half of the friendly at Wembley condemned England to their first ever defeat at the hands of an Asian nation.

After two losses and a draw in three previous meetings dating back to 1995, Japan were finally able to savour a victory over England on a memorable evening for Moriyasu's side.

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Wed, 01 Apr, 2026

Hussein powers Iraq to Finals

Monterrey: Aymen Hussein scored the winner as Iraq booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their playoff at Monterrey Stadium on Tuesday.

The win sees the West Asian side return to the global showpiece for the first time since making their debut in 1986, ironically when the tournament was last held in Mexico.

Iraq will have France, Senegal and Norway for company in Group I of the global showpiece.

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Sun, 29 Mar, 2026

Preview - Playoff: Iraq v Bolivia

Monterrey: Graham Arnold has vowed that Iraq will not hold back against Bolivia when the sides meet in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff on Tuesday.

At stake is a spot in Group I of the global showpiece alongside France, Norway and Senegal, with Iraq seeking a return to the Finals for the first time since making their debut in 1986.

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Tue, 24 Mar, 2026

Popovic aiming for Australia reset

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic will look to use the Socceroos’ hosting of this month’s FIFA Series to re-establish a positive mood within his squad as the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues in earnest.

The Australians will face African powerhouse Cameroon in Sydney on Friday before travelling to Melbourne to take on fellow FIFA World Cup qualifiers Curaçao in one of the last remaining warm-up matches ahead of the Finals in June and July.

Australia have been drawn to play co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and one of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania in Group D at the 48-nation Finals with Popovic ready to ramp up preparations in the coming weeks.