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Kapadze takes charge of White Wolves

Thu, 23 Jan, 2025

Kapadze takes charge of White Wolves

Tashkent: Timur Kapadze has been named the new Uzbekistan national team coach, replacing Srecko Katanec after the Slovenian left the post on Wednesday due to ill health.

The 43-year former defender, who led Uzbekistan to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final last year, has joined the team’s training camp in Qatar to prepare for March’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 matches against Kyrgyz Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Katanec steps down from Uzbekistan role

Wed, 22 Jan, 2025

Katanec steps down from Uzbekistan role

Tashkent: Srecko Katanec has stepped down as Uzbekistan head coach due to ill health, the Uzbekistan Football Association announcing the Slovenian had departed by mutual consent on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old has led the White Wolves to second place in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 but has left less than two months before Uzbekistan resume the qualifiers against Kyrgyz Republic in Tashkent on March 20.

Popovic not ruling out unexpected call-ups for Socceroos

Wed, 15 Jan, 2025

Popovic not ruling out unexpected call-ups for Socceroos

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Popovic has not ruled out making further unexpected additions to his Socceroos squad when the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 resume in March as the nation continues the chase for automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

The Australians are currently second in Group C in the quest for a place at the 2026 finals in North America on seven points with four matches remaining in the third phase of the Qualifiers, holding a one-point advantage over the chasing pack after six matches.

Kluivert hopes to take Indonesia to World Cup

Mon, 13 Jan, 2025

Kluivert hopes to take Indonesia to World Cup

Jakarta: Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert on Sunday said he aims to take football-mad Indonesia to their first FIFA World Cup since independence, as he was officially unveiled as their new head coach.

The Dutchman replaces Korea Republic's Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Southeast Asian team.

Dutch great Kluivert named head coach of Indonesia

Wed, 08 Jan, 2025

Dutch great Kluivert named head coach of Indonesia

Jakarta: Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert was named Indonesia head coach on Wednesday, tasked with taking the country to their first FIFA World Cup since independence.

The 48-year-old former striker inherits a side that is still within striking distance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Southeast Asian side sitting third in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Thu, 26 Dec, 2024

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Kuala Lumpur: There is still all to play for in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 despite six matchdays having already been completed.

While Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Korea Republic look well placed to book tickets to the FIFA World Cup 26, several others have much to do when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March 2025.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will earn automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 26.

A further two slots are available via playoffs involving the third and fourth-placed teams from the three groups while an additional spot is possible through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Shaikh Salman congratulates FIFA World Cup 2034 host Saudi Arabia

Thu, 12 Dec, 2024

Shaikh Salman congratulates FIFA World Cup 2034 host Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on being confirmed as the host of the FIFA World Cup 2034.

The FIFA Extraordinary Congress convened virtually earlier today and selected Saudi Arabia - the sole bidder for the 25th edition of the global showpiece – by acclamation.

Garcia takes over Qatar helm

Wed, 11 Dec, 2024

Garcia takes over Qatar helm

Doha: Luis Garcia has been appointed head coach of the national team, the Qatar Football Association announced on Wednesday.

Garcia, formerly  Marquez Lopez’s assistant, will take over from the outgoing Spaniard, with his first assignment beginning with the 2024 Gulf Cup.

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Historic results, Massive wins and more!

Wed, 04 Dec, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Historic results, Massive wins and more!

Kuala Lumpur: After crossing the halfway mark of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 following the conclusion of Matchdays 5 and 6, we’re all set to bring you up to speed with the Match Predictor action from not only the past two rounds of fixture but also the campaign to date.

But before we get going, don’t forget to sign up for our ‘Free-to-Play’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Road to 26 Match Predictor.  
 
You can compete against friends, show off your knowledge and win exclusive prizes along the way. Why wait? Join now: https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/predictor.html    
 
Now, let’s get going on the recap of the latest matchdays. 

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Best Goal of MD5 & 6

Fri, 22 Nov, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Best Goal of MD5 & 6

Kuala Lumpur: The third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 is now past the halfway mark following the conclusion of Matchday Six with several superb goals scored during the latest international window.

From stunners from distance to magnificent free-kicks, fans of Asian football were treated to some fantastic strikes with a combined 49 goals scored across the two Matchdays.

The-AFC.com invites you, the fans, to pick your favourite goal.

#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.