Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Brazilian Marlon bolsters Al Ain ranks

Dubai: Two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Al Ain FC have added Brazilian defender Marlon Santos to their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Santos, who turns 29 in September, joins Al Ain from Fluminense, having been on loan with the Brazilian side from his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

London: Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada has signed for Crystal Palace from Lazio, the English Premier League club announced on Monday.

The two-year deal, which is subject to international clearance, has been agreed following the end of Kamada's contract with the Serie A side.

It also sees the Japan international reunited with Oliver Glasner after the 27-year-old played under the Palace manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, where Kamada scored 40 goals in 179 appearances.

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Bangkok: Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has signed for reigning Thailand champions Buriram United.

Etheridge, 34, joins Buriram from English Championship side Birmingham City, having also previously featured for Cardiff City.

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Thu, 04 Jul, 2024

Oiwa: Medal remains Japan's target

Tokyo: Go Oiwa said Japan are still aiming to win their first men's Olympics football medal since 1968 despite not including any overage players in his 18-strong squad on Wednesday.

Even Takefusa Kubo, despite being eligible age wise, was not included with officials admitting several players who had been considered were not released by their European clubs.

Each squad is allowed to register three overage players for the under-23 men's Olympics football tournament.

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 promises fascinating duels as the six teams look to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ahead of the action kicking off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the group, which will feature Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Group A: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Thursday's FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 produced some fascinating outcomes.

As the 18 teams start preparing for the action to kick off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts, starting with Group A.

Road to 26: Six matches to look out for

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Road to 26: Six matches to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday has produced a string of encounters over the upcoming months that Asian football fans can look forward to with great excitement.

Eighteen nations were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed places and a possible additional spot via a playoff on offer for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

With the draw setting up several high-profile clashes in the next phase of the qualifiers beginning September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at six such matches that stand out during the early stages of the AFC Asian Qualifiers third round.