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.

#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.

Road to 26 Playoffs draw to set stage for remaining contenders

Mon, 23 Jun, 2025

Road to 26 Playoffs draw to set stage for remaining contenders

Kuala Lumpur: The six teams still in the running for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification will discover their remaining battle paths at the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs draw at 3pm on July 17, 2025 (Thursday), at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Six of the eight direct berths on offer to Asia have already been claimed following the conclusion of the third qualifying round last month, which featured three groups of six teams. The third and fourth-placed sides from each of those groups — Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will get another shot via the Playoffs, which is scheduled for October 8 to 14.

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Wed, 09 Jul, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your best NEOM Future Star

Kuala Lumpur: A number of youngsters from across the continent dazzled at the recently concluded third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

Asian football continues to produce talent with huge potential to reach the highest level, with the likes of Lee Kang-in and Takefusa Kubo among those who have earned global recognition in recent years.

After the completion of the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, the-AFC.com picks 11 players who impressed for their respective nations and asks you to vote for your favourite rising star.

Al Haydos returns as Qatar gear up for qualification push

Mon, 30 Jun, 2025

Al Haydos returns as Qatar gear up for qualification push

Doha: Former captain Hassan Al Haydos is set to make a sensational return to international football, with the Qatar Football Association (QFA) confirming the veteran’s inclusion in the squad for the fourth round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar finished fourth in their group in the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26, missing out on automatic qualification. With the playoffs now looming, head coach Julen Lopetegui has turned to a blend of youth and experience in a bid to revive their World Cup hopes.

Ivankovic and China PR part ways

Sat, 28 Jun, 2025

Ivankovic and China PR part ways

Beijing: Branko Ivankovic has left his role as head coach of the China PR national team after his side were eliminated from the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 earlier in June.

The 71-year-old Croatian was removed from his role as a result of his team’s fifth place finish in Group C, which ended the country’s hopes of a first FIFA World Cup appearance since their debut at the Finals in Korea-Japan in 2002.