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Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Japan maintain position as Asia’s top side

Kuala Lumpur: Japan moved up one spot to 17th in the FIFA World Rankings after their performance at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 that saw the Blue Samurai reaching the Round of 32.

The East Asian side claimed a win against Tunisia with stalemates against the Netherlands and Sweden before suffering a last-gasp defeat to five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32.

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

East Rutherford: It was a FIFA World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.

 

The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.

Photos

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Moriyasu to stay on for Saudi Arabia 2027, to be replaced by Oiwa

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu will remain as Japan head coach until the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when he will be replaced by current Olympic team coach Go Oiwa, the Japan Football Association announced on Thursday.

Moriyasu will make a third attempt to lead Japan to the continental title at the Finals in Saudi Arabia in January and February after securing a runners-up finish in 2019 and exiting the competition in the quarter-finals in 2023.

He will then stand down from the post he has held since 2018, when he replaced Akira Nishino as Japan head coach in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Asian Review: Iraq

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq knew from the start that their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years would be a huge challenge.

Drawn in Group I, the West Asian side had France, Norway and Senegal to contend with and despite losing all three matches, Graham Arnold was proud with the determination and grit shown by his players.

Asian Review: Australia

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: The curtain came down on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain edging Argentina to lift the coveted trophy for the second time in their history.

For Asia's nine representatives, their appearance on the global stage saw highs and lows but more importantly, gave them insights on what needs to be done to stand toe to toe with the world's best.

The teams will be determined to build on their experience and the-AFC.com takes a look at how the Asian sides fared, with Australia kicking off the series.

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

Superb Spain worthy winners in showpiece dominated by superstar names

East Rutherford: It was a FIFA World Cup in which football's biggest names sprinkled stardust over the tournament, yet in the end the trophy deservingly went to a formidable if unspectacular Spain side who were simply too strong, even without Lamine Yamal being at his thrilling best.

 

The 19-year-old winger was the focus of so much attention, but he initially struggled to find full fitness and finished with just one goal, in a group-stage win over Saudi Arabia.

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

Mon, 20 Jul, 2026

De la Fuente: Spain have grown together

East Rutherford: An emotional Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke of his pride in his players after they won the second FIFA World Cup in the country's history on Sunday.

The European side, despite dominating the final against Argentina, had to wait till the 16th minute of extra-time to find the only goal of the game by Ferran Torres to defeat a stubborn 10-man Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. 

Videos

Preview: MD3

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Preview: MD3

Kuala Lumpur: The race is set to intensify as teams in the ASEAN Championship 2026 look to strengthen their claim for semi-final spots while others will be aiming to reignite their campaign when matches resume on Friday.

Singapore and Malaysia lead Group A and Group B respectively but with plenty of matches still to be played, a lot could change in the coming days as the-AFC.com looks at what’s in store in the next round of matches.

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: There can only be a sense of optimism for Uzbekistan following their FIFA World Cup 2026 adventure.

The Central Asian nation's debut ended in three defeats but the experience gained augurs well for their footballing future.

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be determined to build on the lessons learnt from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they set their sights on future challenges.

Their immediate task will be aiming for the AFC Asian Cup™ 2027 title, with Saudi Arabia to host the continental showpiece for the first time in January.

Group B: Malaysia march on; Myanmar bounce back

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Group B: Malaysia march on; Myanmar bounce back

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia handed Laos a 4-0 defeat in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side completed consecutive victories in Group B of the ASEAN Championship 2026 while Myanmar bounced back from their opening day loss to win 4-1 against the Philippines.

Paulo Josue scored for the second game in a row after a double in the win over Myanmar on Saturday to send the Malaysians on their way to victory with Endrick also on target before an own goal by Viengxay Sidavong and a fine free-kick by substitute Wan Kuzain.

Malaysia lead the standings with six points from their opening two matches and will face second-placed Thailand, who did not play on Tuesday, on Saturday while Laos will take on the Philippines.

Asian Review: Qatar

Tue, 28 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: It was a FIFA World Cup 2026 of mixed emotions for Qatar as their campaign ended in the group stage.

Having qualified for the global showpiece on merit for the first time, the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions created history as well as heartbreak.

Group A: Singapore stay perfect; roaring start for Indonesia

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Group A: Singapore stay perfect; roaring start for Indonesia

Singapore: Ilhan Fandi and Song Ui-young were on target as Singapore continued their perfect start to the ASEAN Championship 2026 on Monday with a 2-0 win over Timor-Leste in Group A as Indonesia kicked off their campaign with a 5-1 win over Cambodia in Bogor.

Ilhan, who scored his side’s stoppage time winner against the Cambodians on Friday, put Singapore in front with a perfectly placed header four minutes before the interval at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will be determined to respond emphatically after enduring a difficult FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

There were high hopes that Korea Republic - who made the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they co-hosted with Japan - would enjoy an extended run in North America but it was not to be.

Asian Review: Jordan

Sun, 26 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will look back on their FIFA World Cup debut with pride after producing respectable performances in all three of their group stage matches.

Drawn in a tough Group J with defending champions Argentina, Austria and Algeria their challengers, the West Asian side did not let the occasion overawe them and left North America with the respectable record of having scored in all their matches.

Group B: Malaysia roar; Thailand cruise

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Group B: Malaysia roar; Thailand cruise

Yangon: Two goals in five second-half minutes from captain Paulo Josue earned Malaysia a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Myanmar in Yangon on Saturday as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side made a winning start to Group B in the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Thailand, meanwhile, began their bid to reclaim the title with an impressive 5-0 defeat of Laos.

Asian Review: Japan

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended at the first knockout stage but they exited the tournament with their heads held high after producing strong performances.

A late Gabriel Martinelli goal meant a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their Round of 32 showdown but head coach Hajime Moriyasu remains firmly convinced that the trajectory that Japan are on will lead them to the world title in the near future.

That Japan can hold their own against the biggest teams in the world can no longer be disputed, with the Samurai Blue having defeated Brazil and England in friendly matches leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Group A: Winning starts for Vietnam, Singapore

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Group A: Winning starts for Vietnam, Singapore

Chonburi: Vietnam made a winning start to their defence of the ASEAN Championship title on Friday as Kim Sang-sik’s side handed Timor-Leste a 7-0 defeat in Group A in Chonburi while Singapore registered a last-gasp 2-1 win over Cambodia in Phnom Penh.

Nguyen Dinh Bac scored a hat-trick for the three-time champions while Do Hoang Hen struck twice and Nguyen Xuan Son was also on target before an own goal by Liam Farrugia completed the scoring.

Asian Review: IR Iran

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Asian Review: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran may not have progressed past the group stage but the Central Asian side showed tremendous resolve throughout what was a challenging FIFA World Cup 2026 for them.

Amir Ghalenoei's side missed out on a place in the knockout stage by the slimmest of margins but can hold their heads high after completing their campaign undefeated.