Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Iraq's Arnold, Indonesia's Kluivert confident of chances

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq head coach Graham Arnold and his Indonesia counterpart Patrick Kluivert both expressed optimism following the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw on Thursday.

The teams were drawn in Group B, alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, with the tacticians vowing that their respective side's will spare no effort in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-c-indonesia-2-0-saudi-arabia

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Thu, 17 Jul, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 discovered their path to the Finals following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The six teams were divided into two groups, with only the top side from each to join the six Asian nations already through at next year's global showpiece.
 
The second-placed teams from both groups will square off in a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18. This knockout stage will determine the Continent’s representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, which offers one final qualifying opportunity.

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers – Vote for your Player of the Third Round by STA

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 concluded on June 10 with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Korea Republic, Jordan, Japan and Australia reaching next year’s tournament.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia also kept their hopes alive by entering the fourth round slated for October.

But, before that, it’s your turn to decide which of these 12 players from the third round is named the Player of the Round – presented by STA – by casting your votes.

Oman appoint Queiroz as head coach

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Oman appoint Queiroz as head coach

Muscat: Oman named Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach on Tuesday as the West Asian side bid to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Portuguese replaces Rashid Jaber, and has been appointed ahead of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoff draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Know your team: China PR

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Know your team: China PR

Kuala Lumpur: China PR will head into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ knowing they will have to overcome a tough challenge if they are to retain the title.

The East Asian side clinched a record-extending ninth title at India 2022 in stunning fashion, coming from 2-0 down to defeat Korea Republic 3-2 in the final.

That triumph, however, did not spark a major resurgence as the likes of Japan and Australia continue to set the pace in Asia.

Know your team: Bangladesh

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Know your team: Bangladesh

Kuala Lumpur: While Bangladesh are gearing up for their first ever appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, the South Asian side will not be at Australia 2026 just to make up the numbers. 

Decades of waiting was ended with spectacular performances in the Qualifiers as Bangladesh reaped the rewards of building from the grassroots and despite being the lowest ranked side to have qualified, Peter Butler’s side will enter the tournament with momentum and belief.