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#AsianQualifiers - Group takeaways

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Group takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The conclusion of Matchday Six means the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 goes on a hiatus before returning in March, 2025.

As the players either return to their clubs or take a break, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand with just four matches remaining.

The top two teams from each group will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26 while the third and fourth-placed teams will advance to a playoff, where another two slots are available.

An additional ticket is also available via an Inter-Confederation playoff.

Bento: UAE’s preparations secured triumph against Qatar

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Bento: UAE’s preparations secured triumph against Qatar

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Paulo Bento attributed Tuesday’s 5-0 win against Qatar in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie to thorough preparation.

Fabio Lima scored four times, including a first-half hat-trick, as UAE took possession of third place and kept Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan in sight. 

Pizzi’s tactical changes secure Kuwait vital draw

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Pizzi’s tactical changes secure Kuwait vital draw

Ardhiyah: Kuwait head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi praised his team’s second-half performance after their come from behind 1-1 draw with Jordan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B clash on Tuesday.

Kuwait found themselves trailing to Yazan Al Naimat’s curling effort, with Pizzi making key substitutions after the break which he said improved his team’s control of the game.

Iraq depth key to crucial victory over Oman, says Casas

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Iraq depth key to crucial victory over Oman, says Casas

Muscat: Iraq’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign is back on track following a 1-0 win over Oman on Tuesday, with head coach Jesus Casas praising his team's improved performance.

Youssef Amyn’s first half strike moved Iraq to 11 points,three behind Group B leaders Korea Republic and two ahead of third-placed Jordan, having only claimed one point from their previous two matches. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-c-bahrain-2-2-australia

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-b-kuwait-1-1-jordan

Title, not qualification, is Moriyasu’s target for Japan

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Title, not qualification, is Moriyasu’s target for Japan

Xiamen: Tuesday’s 3-1 win over China PR means Japan are on the cusp of FIFA World Cup 26 qualification but head coach Hajime Moriyasu wants his players to not just settle for that but aim for glory at the global showpiece.

Despite a spirited challenge from China PR, Japan were simply too strong as they moved up to 16 points, nine ahead of Australia and one win away from sealing an eighth consecutive appearance at Finals.

IR Iran’s progress delights Ghalenoei

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

IR Iran’s progress delights Ghalenoei

Bishkek: Islamic Republic of Iran’s journey in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 thus far has been one to cherish for head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Tuesday’s 3-2 win against Kyrgyz Republic kept Team Melli top of the group on 16 points, three ahead Uzbekistan with United Arab Emirates a further three adrift.

With qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26 well within reach now, Ghalenoei was pleased to see the attacking strength of his side but admitted knows defensive improvements are a must.

Hong to work on producing a ‘different’ Korea Republic

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Hong to work on producing a ‘different’ Korea Republic

Amman: Hong Myung-bo has promised a different Korea Republic side when the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 resumes in March.

The Korea Republic tactician had to witness his side being held - again - by Palestine in their Group B tie on Tuesday, with the result ending the East Asian side’s four-match winning run.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-a-uae-5-0-qatar

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-|-group-b-oman-0-1-iraq

Katanec wants Uzbekistan to aim for perfect finish

Wed, 20 Nov, 2024

Katanec wants Uzbekistan to aim for perfect finish

Vientiane: Their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 destiny is back in their hands and head coach Srecko Katanec has challenged his Uzbekistan side to aim for a perfect 12 points from their remaining Group A matches.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s 44th minute strike earned the Central Asian side a 1-0 win against a resilient DPR Korea on Tuesday as Uzbekistan moved to 13 points, three behind leaders Islamic Republic of Iran but, crucially, three ahead of third-placed United Arab Emirates with the top two teams to earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26.