Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 2002

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 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.

Six star players to watch at Qatar 2022

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

Six star players to watch at Qatar 2022

Paris: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 gets underway in three weeks' time, with France hoping to become the first team to successfully defend the title since Brazil 60 years ago.

We take a look at six of the world's best players who will be competing in the tournament.

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 1998

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 1998

Kuala Lumpur: With the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com continues its series of looking back at how the Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years.

With the World Cup expanding into 32 teams for the first time, Asia benefited from 3.5 seats at France 1998. Just as they did in the previous edition, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic were present, while Japan took the third spot and Islamic Republic of Iran ensured the AFC had a four-team contingent for the first-time ever, snatching the qualification ticket in the Intercontinental Playoff from Australia, then representing the OFC.

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 1994

Sun, 30 Oct, 2022

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 1994

Kuala Lumpur: As we move ever closer towards the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 and the football world converging on Asia for the global showpiece, the-AFC.com continues its series where we look back at the displays of Asian teams in the tournament over the years.

Having reviewed the 1990 competition last time round, we turn our focus to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States which was the last one with just two representatives from Asia and where the displays by both Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic only justified the inclusion of more Asian nations in the later editions.

Asian Moments: 1986

Fri, 22 May, 2026

Asian Moments: 1986

Kuala Lumpur: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing ever closer, the-AFC.com continues its series of looking back at how the Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years.

Having looked at the early editions the last time out, we turn our focus to the 1986 tournament in Mexico when Iraq made their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup and Korea Republic returned 32 years after making their debut in 1954.

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Asian Moments: The Early Years

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in just over two weeks with the global showpiece to feature an expanded cast of 48 teams, including a historic nine Asian sides.

As we wait excitedly for the Asian challenge to kick off, the-AFC.com goes on a journey down memory lane to remember some of the most memorable moments for Asian football at the FIFA World Cup.