Machino replaces injured Nakayama in Japan squad

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

Machino replaces injured Nakayama in Japan squad

Tokyo: Striker Shuto Machino has replaced injured Yuta Nakayama in Japan's squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Japan Football Association said on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old's call-up is not a like-for-like swap because Nakayama is a full-back.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2931756.html

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. 

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group A Teams

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group A Teams

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off in less than two weeks with the squads either finalising their preparations or getting set to assemble ahead of the global showpiece.

Qatar 2022 promises to be a fiesta of football so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the 32 teams, kicking off the series with Group A.

Arnold's opportunity to chart new course for Australia

Wed, 09 Nov, 2022

Arnold's opportunity to chart new course for Australia

Sydney: Graham Arnold will not be appearing at his first FIFA World Cup when he leads Australia out for their opening game in Qatar 2022 against defending champions France on November 22, but the former striker will finally be the man calling the shots for the Socceroos.

The 59-year-old has been present at the tournament in the past, working as an assistant alongside Guus Hiddink in 2006 when the Australians reached the knockout stage before also serving as deputy to Pim Verbeek in South Africa four years later.
 
But this time will be different for the former Sydney FC and Vegalta Sendai coach as he makes the decisions that will determine Australia’s fate at the game’s greatest event.

My dream has become a reality, says Qatar's Hatem

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

My dream has become a reality, says Qatar's Hatem

Doha: Abdulaziz Hatem can't wait for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to kick-off as as it will cap his long distinguished Qatar national team career. 

The 32-year-old midfielder is determined to play a major role in powering Qatar despite a tough Group A which also has Ecuador, Senegal and three-time runners-up Netherlands.

Asian VMOs ready to showcase technical expertise at Qatar 2022

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

Asian VMOs ready to showcase technical expertise at Qatar 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was implemented for the first time at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and four years later, a team of 24 Video Match Officials (VMOs) have been entrusted to operate the game-changing system in Qatar.

Forming Asia’s stellar line-up are none other than Abdulla Al-Marri from Qatar, Singapore’s Muhammad Taqi and Shaun Evans from Australia, who were selected based on their quality and the performances delivered at FIFA tournaments as well as at other international and domestic competitions in recent years.

With just over a week to go to the global showpiece, join the-AFC.com as we hear from the AFC VMOs as they gear up to represent the Continent at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Asian Moments: 2018

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Asian Moments: 2018

Kuala Lumpur: With just over a week to go until the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the-AFC.com continues its look back at how Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years. 

Russia 2018 marked the first time the Asian Football Confederation had five representatives as Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia all qualified. 

And it was to be a campaign that produced a number of memorable moments, from Son Heung-min eliminating Germany to Alireza Beiranvand denying Cristiano Ronaldo and much more.