Castro named Al Nassr head coach

Fri, 07 Jul, 2023

Castro named Al Nassr head coach

Riyadh: Al Nassr have appointed Portugal's Luis Castro as their new head coach.

Castro replaces Dinko Jelicic, who had taken charge of the Saudi Pro League side on a caretaker basis following the departure of Rudi Garcia in April. 

Asia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1990s

Wed, 05 Jul, 2023

Asia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1990s

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will get underway on July 20 with 32 national teams, of which a record six are representing Asia, fighting for the coveted prize as the tournament returns for its ninth edition.  

Along with co-hosts and world No. 10 Australia, 2011 champions Japan, former finalists and reigning Asian champions China PR, AFC Asian Cup™ 2022 runners-up Korea Republic and debutants Vietnam and the Philippines are set to feature in the competition. 
 
As we get ever closer to the big event, the-AFC.com takes a look back at how Asian teams have performed in the FIFA Women’s World Cup over the last three decades. We start with the 1990s during which the continent hosted the inaugural edition and pulled off a string of impressive results. 

Kumagai relying on championship DNA to carry Japan's hopes

Thu, 06 Jul, 2023

Kumagai relying on championship DNA to carry Japan's hopes

Chiba: As the last remaining player to have experienced Japan's 2011 triumph, Saki Kumagai is set to shoulder her country once again in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023 – but with plenty at stake.

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of the Nadeshiko captain, from having to carry her team at the fast-approaching Women’s World Cup to passing on the 2011 championship DNA to the next generation of Nadeshikos and to playing for her long-time friend Mana Iwabuchi, who did not make the cut for Australia-New Zealand.

Queiroz calls for humility as Qatar prepare for Panama test

Fri, 07 Jul, 2023

Queiroz calls for humility as Qatar prepare for Panama test

Dallas: Carlos Queiroz has reminded his Qatar players to stay grounded ahead of their 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final against Panama on Saturday.

The reigning AFC Asian Cup champions™ booked a knockout stage spot after stunning Mexico in their final tie to advance as the Group B runners-up behind their defeated opponents.
 
Panama will be another stern test, having qualified for the quarter-finals as the Group C winners. 

Wang Shanshan leads China PR squad

Thu, 06 Jul, 2023

Wang Shanshan leads China PR squad

Qingdao: Wang Shanshan is among six players who will be appearing in their third FIFA Women’s World Cup named in the China PR squad for their Australia & New Zealand 2023 challenge.

Also included were Wu Haiyan, Lou Jiahui, Zhang Rui, Gu Yasha and Wang Shuang, as head coach Shui Qingxia opted for a mixed squad for their Group D challenge against European champions England, Denmark and Haiti.

Stage set for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers draw

Wed, 05 Jul, 2023

Stage set for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers draw

Kuala Lumpur: All eyes will be on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday, July 27, 2023 for the official draw ceremonies of the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 and Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ at 2pm and 4pm respectively.

As many as 45 Member Associations (MAs) are expected to discover their road to the 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the third time that the first two rounds of Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup will also serve as the Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup™.  

Vote for your Best Goal of #AFCU17 Thailand 2023

Wed, 05 Jul, 2023

Vote for your Best Goal of #AFCU17 Thailand 2023

Bangkok: The curtain came down on the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 on Sunday with Japan being crowned champions for a record-extending fourth time while also retaining their title following a 3-0 win over Korea Republic in the final at Pathum Thani Stadium. 

The victory saw the young Samurai Blue take their goals tally to an incredible 22 in just six games as the East Asians took the overall number of goals scored in the tournament to 99 in 31 matches – a rate of just over three per game. 
 
The-AFC.com has now selected eight of the best from the continental campaign and asks you, the fans of Asian football, to tell us which one is your favourite by voting in the poll below.