Group A: IR Iran 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Group A: IR Iran 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Fuladshahr: Islamic Republic of Iran made a winning start to their Group A campaign in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Thursday as Amir Ghaleneoi’s side handed Kyrgyz Republic a 1-0 defeat at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

Captain Mehdi Taremi hit the only goal of the game 11 minutes before the end of the first half while Omid Noorafkan went close to adding a second when his strike came back off the Kyrgyz post in the 58th minute.

The Iranians were made to battle for the win due to an improved performance in the second half by the visitors after the hosts had dictated proceedings in the opening 45 minutes.

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Chance to win exciting prizes with AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Match Predictor

Thu, 05 Sep, 2024

Chance to win exciting prizes with AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Match Predictor

Kuala Lumpur: Exciting prizes are waiting to be won by participating in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Match Predictor on the-AFC.com and the AFC LIVE app with the qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States entering its business end in Asia.  

With 18 national teams from the continent still in contention for places in the global event, the Match Predictor game offers passionate fans from Asia and beyond a chance to win an exciting range of prizes. Participants can enter their predictions for the outcomes of all 90 matches, beginning September 5, and earn points for every correct prediction. 

MD1 - Results & Reports

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

MD1 - Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 1 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 saw several stunning results as the continent's finest 18 teams took their first steps towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates shocked Australia and Qatar respectively while Palestine and Indonesia impressed in draws with Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia.

It was, however, business as usual for Japan and Islamic Republic of Iran who opened their campaigns with victories.

As the teams cast their eyes on another round of matches on Tuesday, stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Group A: Uzbekistan 1-0 DPR Korea

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Group A: Uzbekistan 1-0 DPR Korea

Tashkent: Uzbekistan laboured to a 1-0 win over DPR Korea in their opening AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A match at Bunyodkor Stadium on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov was the hero of the side, saving a first half penalty from Kang Kuk Chol to preserve the lead Jaloliddin Masharipov had given Uzbekistan in the 20th minute.

Group B: Korea Republic 0-0 Palestine

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Group B: Korea Republic 0-0 Palestine

Seoul: A resolute and determined Palestine held Korea Republic to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.

Making their debut at this stage of the competition, the point is a boost for Palestine who will meet Jordan next on Tuesday, while Korea Republic will play Oman.

Group C: Japan 7-0 China PR

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Group C: Japan 7-0 China PR

Saitama: Japan cruised to a comprehensive 7-0 victory over China PR at Saitama Stadium on Thursday as Hajime Moriyasu’s side made an impressive start to life in Group C of the AFC Asian™ Qualifiers -Road to 26.

Headers from Wataru Endo and Kaoru Mitoma gave Moriyasu’s side a two-goal advantage at half time before Takumi Minamino struck twice in six minutes early in the second half.
Junya Ito claimed the fifth late in the game and Daizen Maeda headed in the sixth with three minutes left while Takefusa Kubo completed the rout in injury time.

Group C: Australia 0-1 Bahrain

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024

Group C: Australia 0-1 Bahrain

Gold Coast: Bahrain stunned 10-man Australia 1-0 in their opening AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie at Robina Stadium on Thursday.

Reduced to 10 players following Kusini Yengi’s sending off in the 77th minute, Australia were dealt a body blow in the closing minutes when Harry Souttar inadvertently deflected Abdulla Alkhalasi’s cross from the left into his own net as Bahrain recorded their first ever win against the Socceroos. 

Playoff - 1st Leg: Timor Leste 4-1 Mongolia

Thu, 05 Sep, 2024

Playoff - 1st Leg: Timor Leste 4-1 Mongolia

Bali: Timor-Leste defeated Mongolia 4-1 in the first leg of their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ playoff tie on Thursday.

The two sides will meet again at the MFF Stadium in Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, with the victors to advance to the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers.

Playoff - 1st Leg: Sri Lanka 0-0 Cambodia

Thu, 05 Sep, 2024

Playoff - 1st Leg: Sri Lanka 0-0 Cambodia

Colombo: Cambodia displayed resilience to hold Sri Lanka to a 0-0 draw in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ playoff tie on Thursday.

The stalemate is a boost for the Southeast Asian side who will host the return leg in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.