Hanoi: Kim Sang-sik made a winning start to life as the head coach of Vietnam after his team worked hard to secure a 3-2 win over Philippines in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group F tie on Thursday.
Yangon: It may not have been pleasing on the eye but Hajime Moriyasu believes Japan now have another option to fall back on following their 5-0 win over Myanmar on Thursday.
Iraq’s Casas looks ahead; Shin wants one final push from Indonesia
Jakarta: It will be tough but Jesus Casas believes Iraq have the potential to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 after an impressive second round qualifying campaign.
Ghalenoei: IR Iran did well to beat Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong: Amir Ghalenoei expressed his satisfaction with Islamic Republic of Iran's performance in their 4-2 win over Hong Kong, China in Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.
Bishkek: Head coach Kim Pan Gon is adamant that Malaysia still have a chance despite settling for a 1-1 draw against Kyrgyz Republic in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.
Shenyang: Branko Ivankovic is confident of China PR’s chances despite needing a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw with Thailand in Group C of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.
Westwood’s Afghanistan focused on making history; India’s Stimac looking ahead
Al Hasa: Ashley Westwood believes the point Afghanistan earned against Qatar in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group A match will prove valuable in the final reckoning.
Dhaka: Head coach Graham Arnold applauded his players after Australia overcame tough conditions to defeat Bangladesh 2-0 in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group I tie on Thursday.
Kuala Lumpur: Palestine were the history makers as Matchday Five of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Thursday.