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.

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan are clear on their objectives after being placed in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 with team manager Sherzod Igamberdiev eyeing a successful campaign.

Kicking off their bid for a first appearance on the global stage with a home tie DPR Korea on September 5, Uzbekistan will also have to contend with Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic to grab one of the two automatic spots from the group to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Qatar primed for historic mission

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Qatar primed for historic mission

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will leave no stone unturned in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, said technical director Tim Cahill. 

Seeking to qualify for the global showpiece on merit after having made their debut as hosts of the 2022 edition, Qatar were drawn in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 on Thursday.

The two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions will face Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and DPR Korea in what promises to be an enthralling campaign. 

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Kuala Lumpur: Having emerged from the second round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ with an unbeaten record, the Islamic of Republic of Iran will be aiming to continue their impressive form when the next stage kicks off in September.

The second-highest ranked Asian side in the FIFA rankings at 20, IR Iran are seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance and head coach Amir Ghalenoei is optimistic about qualification despite being drawn in a tough Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn has vowed to continue making history for Kyrgyz football as the White Falcons gear up for their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 campaign.

Drawn in Group A, the Central Asian side will face Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and DPR Korea in their debut at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.