National Competitions - Landing Page

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3029573.html

afc-newsletter

News

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Foxborough: Iraq had to concede to Erling Haaland-powered Norway as they fell to a 4-1 defeat in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein drew Iraq level after Haaland had put Norway ahead in the 29th minute but an opportunistic strike from the Manchester City star just before the break and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt ended the West Asian side's hopes of getting something from the game.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-i-iraq-v-norway

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Seattle: Head coach Rudi Garcia challenged his Belgium players to get on the winning track in their next match after settling for a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

The European side equalised through Mohamed Hany's own goal in the 66th minute after he diverted Romelu Lukaku's cross, with Egypt ​having taken the lead in the 18th minute through Emam Ashour.

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 - just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose - and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Ciudad de Mexico: Uzbekistan will be determined to kickstart their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K campaign with a positive result when they take on Colombia on Wednesday.

After more than three decades of striving to reach the global stage, the White Wolves are set to make their FIFA World Cup debut, carrying the hopes of an entire nation.

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Atlanta: Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the FIFA World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

La Roja rolled into Atlanta as one of the pre-tournament favourites with head coach Luis de la Fuente boasting that he has the best squad in the competition.

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

Striker Elijah Just scored both New Zealand goals but the Oceania side were denied their first FIFA World Cup win by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-g-ir-iran-v-new-zealand

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Guadalupe: Head coach Graham Potter was lavish in his praise of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres after the duo produced sparkling performances in Sweden's 5-1 win against Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Liverpool's Isak and Arsenal's Gyokeres led from the front, netting a goal each and being a constant threat, with Yasin Ayari scoring a brace and Mattias Svanberg adding one as Sweden surged to the top of Group F ahead of Japan and the Netherlands.

Photos

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Foxborough: Iraq had to concede to Erling Haaland-powered Norway as they fell to a 4-1 defeat in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein drew Iraq level after Haaland had put Norway ahead in the 29th minute but an opportunistic strike from the Manchester City star just before the break and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt ended the West Asian side's hopes of getting something from the game.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-i-iraq-v-norway

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Seattle: Head coach Rudi Garcia challenged his Belgium players to get on the winning track in their next match after settling for a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

The European side equalised through Mohamed Hany's own goal in the 66th minute after he diverted Romelu Lukaku's cross, with Egypt ​having taken the lead in the 18th minute through Emam Ashour.

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 - just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose - and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Ciudad de Mexico: Uzbekistan will be determined to kickstart their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K campaign with a positive result when they take on Colombia on Wednesday.

After more than three decades of striving to reach the global stage, the White Wolves are set to make their FIFA World Cup debut, carrying the hopes of an entire nation.

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Atlanta: Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the FIFA World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

La Roja rolled into Atlanta as one of the pre-tournament favourites with head coach Luis de la Fuente boasting that he has the best squad in the competition.

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

Striker Elijah Just scored both New Zealand goals but the Oceania side were denied their first FIFA World Cup win by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-g-ir-iran-v-new-zealand

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Guadalupe: Head coach Graham Potter was lavish in his praise of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres after the duo produced sparkling performances in Sweden's 5-1 win against Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Liverpool's Isak and Arsenal's Gyokeres led from the front, netting a goal each and being a constant threat, with Yasin Ayari scoring a brace and Mattias Svanberg adding one as Sweden surged to the top of Group F ahead of Japan and the Netherlands.

Videos

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Spain's De la Fuente cool despite Cabo Verde setback

Atlanta: Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said he is still convinced La Roja will go far at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite failing to break down debutants Cabo Verde in a 0-0 draw to open their tournament.

The European champions badly missed the spark of Lamine Yamal, who was deemed only fit enough for a second-half cameo on his return from injury, as they struggled to even create chances against a side ranked 67th in the world.

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: Iraq 1-4 Norway

Foxborough: Iraq had to concede to Erling Haaland-powered Norway as they fell to a 4-1 defeat in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I tie on Tuesday.

Aymen Hussein drew Iraq level after Haaland had put Norway ahead in the 29th minute but an opportunistic strike from the Manchester City star just before the break and second-half goals from Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt ended the West Asian side's hopes of getting something from the game.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-i-iraq-v-norway

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Belgium disappoint Garcia

Seattle: Head coach Rudi Garcia challenged his Belgium players to get on the winning track in their next match after settling for a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

The European side equalised through Mohamed Hany's own goal in the 66th minute after he diverted Romelu Lukaku's cross, with Egypt ​having taken the lead in the 18th minute through Emam Ashour.

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Group I: France 3-1 Senegal

East Rutherford: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France launched their bid for a third FIFA World Cup crown with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 - just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose - and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia

Ciudad de Mexico: Uzbekistan will be determined to kickstart their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K campaign with a positive result when they take on Colombia on Wednesday.

After more than three decades of striving to reach the global stage, the White Wolves are set to make their FIFA World Cup debut, carrying the hopes of an entire nation.

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Cabo Verde hero Vozinha sheds 'tears of resilience' after stopping Spain

Atlanta: Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the FIFA World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

La Roja rolled into Atlanta as one of the pre-tournament favourites with head coach Luis de la Fuente boasting that he has the best squad in the competition.

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Mixed feelings for Japan's Moriyasu

Arlington: Hajime Moriyasu admitted he had mixed feelings following Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F tie on Sunday.

While pleased with the resolve shown by his players to salvage a point after twice going behind, the Japanese tactician the target going into the tie was achieving victory.

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group G: IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Inglewood: Islamic Republic of Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Monday.

Striker Elijah Just scored both New Zealand goals but the Oceania side were denied their first FIFA World Cup win by strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup.html/photo/group-g-ir-iran-v-new-zealand

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Tue, 16 Jun, 2026

Group H: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Miami Gardens: Saudi Arabia displayed immense defensive resilience to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced an outstanding performance as three-time AFC Asian Cup™ winners Saudi Arabia absorbed intense pressure in the second half to deny the South American side full points and leave the group wide open following Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their match.

Defender Abdulelah al-Amri gave the Saudis a surprise lead near the end of the first half only for Uruguay's second-half pressure to pay off with 10 minutes left through Maxi Araujo.

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Mon, 15 Jun, 2026

Sweden's Potter hails Isak, Gyokeres

Guadalupe: Head coach Graham Potter was lavish in his praise of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres after the duo produced sparkling performances in Sweden's 5-1 win against Tunisia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Liverpool's Isak and Arsenal's Gyokeres led from the front, netting a goal each and being a constant threat, with Yasin Ayari scoring a brace and Mattias Svanberg adding one as Sweden surged to the top of Group F ahead of Japan and the Netherlands.