Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: More than 18 months since the majority of countries last took part in competitive action, the Asian Qualifiers are set to return on May 28 at eight centralised venues across the continent.
With the action coming thick and fast over a two-week period during which teams will look to secure a place in the next round of qualifying, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the form players who will be representing their nations.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Suzhou: More than 18 months since the last ball was kicked in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the competition will resume on May 30 as the five sides get set to continue their campaigns in the Chinese city of Suzhou.
Syria currently lead the way with a hugely impressive five wins from five and they start as clear favourites to progress to the third round of qualifying, while the pressure is on hosts China PR who sit eight points back, level with the Philippines.
The Maldives still have aspirations of a top-two finish and Guam are seeking their first points of the campaign. Ahead of the opening game between China and Guam on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at Group A.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuwait: The long wait is finally over, and Asia’s top men’s national teams are soon to resume their respective bids to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
It has been 18 long months since a ball was kicked in Group B – featuring, Australia, Kuwait, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei – and with a wait like that, one could be forgiven for needing a refresher course before the action resumes.
But fear not, the-AFC.com is here to bring you all need to know about the finely poised group, including a run-down on the venues and how the teams currently stand, plus we pick out a key man from each of the five sides.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manama: After more than 18 months of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 returns.
Group C is among the most intriguing in the competition, with Iraq leading the way from Bahrain and five-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers the Islamic Republic of Iran sitting in third, with a crucial game in hand over the teams above them.
Here, the-AFC.com looks at the situation in the group as the five teams prepare to lock horns and pick out a key player to watch from each of the teams.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riyadh: Three months after Saudi Arabia faced Yemen in the most recent game of the group, the five teams of Group D of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 reconvene in the Saudi capital Riyadh for the remaining seven matches.
With the group having passed the halfway point, Saudi Arabia hold the advantage at the top going into the three-week run-in on home soil, Uzbekistan and Singapore remain within touching distance of the hosts while Palestine are bottom and practically out of contention.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: The second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 finally returns in full flow after more than 18 months of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Group E ready to resume.
The battle for top spot looks to be between Qatar and Oman while Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh fight it out for the automatic places in the third round of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup.
With Qatar hosting the remaining matches, the-AFC.com previews the upcoming games and takes a look at the players to watch from each of the five teams.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Osaka: For the first time since 2019, all five teams in Group F of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 will be in action over the coming weeks, with plenty still left to be decided.
Runaway leaders Japan would need to suffer an unprecedented collapse on home soil to squander top spot, but the race for second is well and truly alive, with Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Myanmar all battling for the chance to advance as one of the best runners-up.
Dreams are at stake on the road to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, and we’ve got all you need to know about the matches ahead, including the venues, state of play and the key men to keep an eye on.