Japan’s Kawamura inks deal with Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg

Tue, 25 Jun, 2024

Japan’s Kawamura inks deal with Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg

Wals-Siezenheim: Takumu Kawamura has joined Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg on a four-year deal from J1 League’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the Austrian Bundesliga club announced on Monday.

The Hiroshima native started his career with the Sanfrecce youth team in 2018 before moving to J2 club Ehime FC on loan where he spent two seasons appearing 77 times and netting 15 goals. 

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Tue, 18 Jun, 2024

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The pain of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s semi-final exit at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ still stings for Mehdi Taremi but, as the striker tells the-AFC.com, he is choosing to look towards the future; to his impending move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and to what he hopes will be another FIFA World Cup Finals appearance.

No nation knows semi-final heartbreak at the AFC Asian Cup quite like IR Iran; on seven occasions since 1976 - the most recent of the country’s three consecutive continental titles - Team Melli have fallen one hurdle before the tournament’s deciding match.

How They Got Here: Part 1

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

How They Got Here: Part 1

Kuala Lumpur: With the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ set to take place on June 27, the-AFC.com looks back at how the teams reached the third round of the qualifying campaign. 

A total of 18 sides will be split across three groups, with six teams set to advance directly to the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and a further six to progress to the next stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
 
Asia has a record eight automatic places up for grabs at the FIFA World Cup, with one more team to get the chance of being the continent’s ninth participant via the Inter-Confederation playoffs.
 
Ahead of the draw, there is all to play for in what promises to be a thrilling next phase of qualifying. Here’s how the six sides from Groups A to C of the previous round got to this stage.

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will be aiming to get over the final hurdle for the first time when they take their place among the 18 teams in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

Seven previous attempts at FIFA World Cup qualification have seen Uzbekistan falter in the the final round but the Central Asian side look well placed to book a berth in the 2026 Finals, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Kuala Lumpur: The United Arab Emirates will leave no stone unturned in their bid to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the West Asian side determined to hit the ground running in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign.

The UAE, seeking a second appearance at the global showpiece, came agonisingly close to qualifying for the Qatar 2022 edition with Australia ending their campaign in the Asian playoff.

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. 

Seol joins Red Star Belgrade

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Seol joins Red Star Belgrade

Ulsan: Former AFC Champions League winners Ulsan HD have announced the transfer of Korea Republic international full back Seol Young-woo to Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile 25-year-old, who can play on both the left and right sides of defence, broke into the Ulsan side in 2020 and was part of the squad that won the AFC Champions League later that year under Kim Do-hoon.