#AsianQualifiers – MD5 & MD6 in Numbers

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024

#AsianQualifiers – MD5 & MD6 in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ has concluded after an action-packed double-header which took place across the continent on June 6 and 11. 

As many as 18 nations booked a place in the next edition of the AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, as well as the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, so join the-AFC.com as we look back on some of the key stats and facts that caught the eye.

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#AsianQualifiers - The MD6 Star Performers

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - The MD6 Star Performers

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ came to an exciting conclusion on Tuesday with 18 nations confirming their places in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 as well as the AFC Asian Cup to be held in 2027. 

There were several players who rose to the occasion to deliver the goods for their sides on the final matchday – from Thom Haye who scored his maiden international goal to guide Indonesia to their first-ever third round appearance to Ri Jo Guk who bagged an impressive hat-trick to send DPR Korea through to the next stage. 

With the second round action now completed and the third round draw to be held on June 27, the-AFC.com looks back at some of the players who impressed on the sixth and final matchday of the qualification campaign. 

#AFCU20 Qualifiers draw finalised

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024

#AFCU20 Qualifiers draw finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2025 Qualifiers concluded at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 45 teams were divided into 10 groups - five of four each and five of five each - with the Qualifiers to be played between September 21 and 29, 2024.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will advance to the Finals, with China PR scheduled to host the tournament.

#AFCU17 Qualifying groups decided

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024

#AFCU17 Qualifying groups decided

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 Qualifiers was finalised at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 43 teams were divided into 10 groups - seven of four each and three of five - with the Qualifiers to be played between October 19 and 27, 2024.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will advance to the Finals, with Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the tournament.

Bayern sign Japan defender Ito from Stuttgart

Fri, 14 Jun, 2024

Bayern sign Japan defender Ito from Stuttgart

Munich: Bayern Munich on Thursday announced the signing of Japanese centre-back Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart until 2028 after reportedly triggering his 30 million euro release clause.

Ito, 25, is a surprise signing for Bayern and their first major arrival of the transfer window. He signed with Stuttgart just two seasons ago from Japanese side Jubilo Iwata, after a year on loan in Germany, for less than one million euros.

Australia's Sam Kerr extends deal with Chelsea

Fri, 14 Jun, 2024

Australia's Sam Kerr extends deal with Chelsea

London: Chelsea forward Sam Kerr has signed a new two-year contract keeping her at the club until 2026, the Women's Super League champions announced on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Australia captain, whose previous deal was about to expire, has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since arriving at the London club from Chicago Red Stars in 2019.