#AsianQualifiers draw - What They Said

Fri, 28 Jul, 2023

#AsianQualifiers draw - What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 and Round 2 draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

Teams across Asia found out who their opponents are, in the battle to reach the Finals of two of the premier national competitions in the world of football.

the-AFC.com caught up with head coaches Philippe Troussier (Vietnam), Kim Pan-gon (Malaysia) and Aleksandar Jankovic (China PR), who were all in attendance for the draw to find out their reactions to the upcoming Asian Qualifiers that are scheduled to begin on October 12 .

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2969772.html

Kerr to be given until last minute to prove fitness

Fri, 28 Jul, 2023

Kerr to be given until last minute to prove fitness

Brisbane: Australia's captain Sam Kerr will be given until the last minute to prove her fitness for their must-win FIFA Women's World Cup clash against Canada on Monday, head coach Tony Gustavsson says.

The prolific striker missed Australia's opening two games - a 1-0 win over Ireland and Thursday's shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria - with a calf injury.
 
With the co-hosts' hopes of reaching the last 16 now in jeopardy, Gustavsson is desperate to have the Chelsea forward available.

Group G: Argentina comeback denies South Africa first win at Women's World Cup

Fri, 28 Jul, 2023

Group G: Argentina comeback denies South Africa first win at Women's World Cup

Dunedin: Romina Nunez scored the equaliser as Argentina roared back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with South Africa at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, denying them a landmark first-ever win at the tournament.

South Africa appeared to be cruising to a first ever win in five matches at the World Cup after goals by Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana either side of half-time in Dunedin.

Gustavsson remains optimistic of Australia’s chances

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Gustavsson remains optimistic of Australia’s chances

Brisbane: Head coach Tony Gustavsson is confident Australia will turn the corner in their final FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match against Canada on Monday.

Thursday's disappointing 3-2 defeat against Nigeria left Australia, who slipped to third in the standings, facing the possibility of an early World Cup exit.

Vietnam will learn and improve, says Mai

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Vietnam will learn and improve, says Mai

Hamilton: Vietnam's FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 hopes may have ended on Thursday but head coach Mai Duc Chung said the experience his players have gained can only mean good for the development of the sport in the Southeast Asian country.

Goals by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth secured Portugal a 2-0 win at the Waikato Stadium as Vietnam fell to their second defeat, having lost 3-0 to defending world champions the United States in their opening Group E match.

Henderson completes move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Henderson completes move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq

London: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, both clubs announced on Thursday.

The England midfielder is the latest big-name player from the Premier League to move to Saudi after 12 years at Anfield.

AFC General Secretary meets with Asia’s leading head coaches

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

AFC General Secretary meets with Asia’s leading head coaches

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John met with some of the Continent's most renowned head coaches at the sidelines of the official draw ceremonies of the Preliminary Joint Qualifier Round 1 and Round 2 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, which was held at the AFC House on Thursday. 

Amongst the luminary head coaches were China PR's technician Aleksandar Jankovic, Malaysia's Korea Republic tactician Kim Pan Gon, as well as AFC Asian Cup™ Lebanon 2000 title-winning coach Philippe Troussier who was recently appointed to lead Vietnam. The Socceroos' all-time men's leading scorer Tim Cahill, who clinched the AFC Asian Cup™ title with Australia on home soil in 2015, was also in attendance.