East Asia Wrap: Falcons are Mongolian champions; Gamba overcome Vissel

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Falcons are Mongolian champions; Gamba overcome Vissel

Hong Kong: SP Falcons confirmed their first-ever league title in Mongolia after they overcame Khoromkhon 6-2 on Saturday, thereby also punching their ticket for the inaugural AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL) – the group stage of which is slated to kick off on October 26. 

In Japan, reigning champions Vissel Kobe suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of red-hot Gamba Osaka, who moved within two points of the top where Machida Zelvia have a two-point advantage despite settling for a goalless draw against Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday. 

Ulsan Hyundai edged Jeju United in a closely contested encounter to preserve their two-point lead in Korea Republic while there were also matches taking place in China PR, Chinese Taipei and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at last week’s action from across East Asia.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will not be short of confidence as they embark on their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, with the West Asian side aiming to qualify for their third consecutive and seventh overall FIFA World Cup.

Despite finishing second in Group G on goal difference, Saudi Arabia demonstrated their strength with 13 points and a solid performance throughout the second round. 

Know Your Team: Palestine

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine will open a new chapter in their footballing history when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

A historic second round campaign means Palestine’s FIFA World Cup dream remains alive as the qualifiers head into the third round with the West Asian side hoping to take their place in the 2026 global showpiece which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know your team: Oman

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will aim to continue from where they left off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign as the West Asian side strive to secure a maiden FIFA World Cup berth.

Boosted by their top place finish in the second round, Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy will not shy away from making changes to his squad ahead of their third round campaign, with eight spots available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Asia's best learn Dominican Republic 2024 challengers

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Asia's best learn Dominican Republic 2024 challengers

Santo Domingo: Asia's finest learnt their opponents for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024 following the official draw on Saturday.

The continent will be represented by DPR Korea, Japan and Korea Republic, all three former winners of the global showpiece,

Ammouta steps down as Jordan head coach

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Ammouta steps down as Jordan head coach

Amman: Hussein Ammouta has stepped down as the Jordan national team head coach by mutual consent, the Jordanian Football Association (JFA) said on Saturday. 

Ammouta leaves a lasting impression on Jordanian football, having led the team to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final.

Know Your Team: Qatar

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will be aiming for a historic first as they ready themselves for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ with a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.

The-AFC.com profiles the prospect of Akram Afif and co taking Qatar to a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic will be looking to create even more history in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, having qualified for this stage of FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

At the helm of the Central Asian side's bid will be Russian Maksim Lisitsyn, who has replaced Stefan Tarkovic as head coach, with the Slovakian having steered Kyrgyz Republic to the third round.

Know Your Team: Kuwait

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Kuwait

Kuala Lumpur: Kuwait are looking to carry the momentum of their late surge into the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ with the draw to be conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The West Asian side are once again amongst the elite in Asia and they are the next team the-AFC.com profiles in our in-depth look at the 18 nations vying for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Road to 26 draw to reveal riveting battles for Asian contenders

Fri, 21 Jun, 2024

Road to 26 draw to reveal riveting battles for Asian contenders

·         18 teams to be divided into three groups of six
·         Matches from September 2024 to June 2025

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s hopefuls for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will discover their opponents for the next stage of qualification at the FIFA World Cup 26™ Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road To 26 on Thursday, June 27 at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Grand Ballroom, in Malaysia.

Know Your Team: Korea Republic

Tue, 18 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic have an illustrious record to preserve when they enter the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ on Thursday.

A record-extending 11th straight appearance for an Asian nation at the FIFA World Cup is on the cards, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the Taegeuk Warriors incredible run at this stage of the qualifiers.