Preview - Group A: Qatar v Ecuador

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Ecuador

Al Khor: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez labelled Ecuador as favourites when his side make their long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday in the opening game of Qatar 2022 against the South Americans.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions will become the second nation from the continent – after Saudi Arabia faced hosts Russia in 2018 – to play in the FIFA World Cup opener and the game will mark the culmination of more than a decade’s work for Sanchez and his players.

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Doha:  AFC representatives Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will feature some of the biggest names in Asian football at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

With a record six Asian teams at the FIFA World Cup, the participating nations will be turning to their star players to drive them forward against the world’s elite. The-AFC.com profiles six players who could make the difference for the continent's representatives in Qatar.

Social Wrap: Asia's cast touch down in Qatar

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

Social Wrap: Asia's cast touch down in Qatar

Doha: With a record six Asian nations to compete at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , the-AFC.com brings you the best of what’s happening across the social media world of those involved.

Arriving in style, meet-and-greet with kids, birthday celebrations and birds of prey all feature in our first selection as the festival of football returns in less than  two days.

World champions France 'only human' says Australia's Mabil

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

World champions France 'only human' says Australia's Mabil

Doha: Australia winger Awer Mabil said on Friday that France were only human as the underdogs prepared for their daunting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opener against the defending champions.

Graham Arnold's team face a tough task getting out of Group D, which also contains Tunisia and dark horses Denmark.

But Mabil, who plays for Cadiz in La Liga, said the Australians would not be overawed when they face one of the tournament favourites on Tuesday.

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Doha: The FIFA World Cup has long since offered the perfect platform for some of the brightest stars from the next generation to showcase their talents to the global audience.

And the 2022 edition in Qatar will be no different with a number of young players from the six Asian representatives looking to step up and show the world what they’re capable of. 

Ahead of the tournament kicking off on Sunday, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on six prospects to keep an eye out for in the weeks ahead.

Team Profile: Saudi Arabia

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Team Profile: Saudi Arabia

Doha: With a record six Asian nations headed to the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022, the continent stands as big a chance of delivering exceptional results this winter as it ever had as the hosts Qatar are joined by Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia.

With the clock running down ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the-AFC.com takes an in depth look at Saudi Arabia as we conclude our series on Asia's Qatar 2022 cast. 

Jordan fall to classy Spain

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Jordan fall to classy Spain

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan fell to a 3-1 defeat against Spain in an international friendly match, with Syria suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Belarus on Thursday. 

Tajikistan, meanwhile, played to a goalless draw with Russia at home. 

Late Canada goal hurts Japan

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Late Canada goal hurts Japan

Dubai: Japan slipped to a late 2-1 loss against Canada in Dubai’s Al Makhtoum Stadium on Thursday as Hajime Moriyasu’s Samurai Blue completed their preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a defeat.

Lucas Cavallini scored from the penalty spot four minutes into injury time after Miki Yamane had brought down Richie Laryea to hand the Canadians the win in a disjointed game that saw both teams make numerous changes.
 
Yuki Soma had put the Japanese ahead in the ninth minute before Steven Vitoria levelled 12 minutes and the match looked set to end in a draw until Cavallini’s late spot-kick.

The game was Japan’s last before featuring in Group E at the FIFA World Cup Finals, where they have been drawn to face Germany, Costa Rica and Spain.

Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Al Rayyan: Son Heung-min says he is willing to risk his health to bring joy to Korea Republic's fans at the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 after being pictured training in a protective mask.

Son's participation in Qatar was in doubt when he suffered a fracture around his left eye in Tottenham's UEFA Champions League win at Marseille earlier this month, causing him to miss Spurs' last three pre-World Cup fixtures.

However, Son was named in Paulo Bento's 26-man World Cup squad and subsequently declared he would not miss the tournament "for the world".

Team Profile: Qatar

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Team Profile: Qatar

Dubai: With a record six Asian nations headed to the FIFA World Cup™ 2022, the continent stands as big a chance of delivering exceptional results this winter as it ever had as the hosts Qatar are joined by Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Australia.

As the clock ticks down towards the opening ceremony on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a look at Qatar, who will be making their FIFA World Cup debut.