Group B: 5 Takeaways

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Group B: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 promises fascinating duels as the six teams look to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ahead of the action kicking off on September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the group, which will feature Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

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.

Rui Bento steps down as Kuwait head coach

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Rui Bento steps down as Kuwait head coach

Kuwait City: Kuwait Football Association announced the departure of head coach Rui Bento on Tuesday.

The Portuguese, who took over the helm in 2022, leaves his post having helped Kuwait return to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2006 edition.

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

Tue, 02 Jul, 2024

Japan's Kamada joins Crystal Palace

London: Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada has signed for Crystal Palace from Lazio, the English Premier League club announced on Monday.

The two-year deal, which is subject to international clearance, has been agreed following the end of Kamada's contract with the Serie A side.

It also sees the Japan international reunited with Oliver Glasner after the 27-year-old played under the Palace manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, where Kamada scored 40 goals in 179 appearances.

ASEAN Wrap: Nam Dinh crowned Vietnamese champions; JDT win big in FA Cup

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

ASEAN Wrap: Nam Dinh crowned Vietnamese champions; JDT win big in FA Cup

Kuala Lumpur: Nam Dinh emerged as the Vietnamese champions with one game to spare after they defeated bottom side Khanh Hoa 5-1 on Tuesday, courtesy of a Rafaelson hat-trick, and celebrated their V.League 1 triumph with a 3-1 win against Quang Nam in their final league outing on Sunday. 

Johor Darul Ta’zim all but confirmed a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup in Malaysia after they posted a 5-0 win against Malaysian University in the quarter-final first leg on Saturday while Terengganu FC, Kuching City and Kedah Darul Aman all have leads to protect going into this week’s return fixtures.
 
In Singapore, leaders Lion City Sailors dropped points for the first time this season letting Tampines Rovers move level on points with them at the top while Kaya FC-Iloilo maintained a one-point lead over Cebu FC in the Philippines, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from ASEAN.

Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Wehdat clinch Jordan Cup; AGMK stunned

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

Central & West Asia Wrap: Al Wehdat clinch Jordan Cup; AGMK stunned

Tashkent: Al Wehdat denied Al Hussein a double after edging the league champions in the Jordan FA Cup final on Saturday.

In Iraq, Al Shorta hold a five-point lead at the top while the Uzbekistan Super League title race opened up following Quzilqum’s shock win over leaders FC AGMK, while Dordoi Bishkek climbed to the top in the Kyrgyz League.

Istiklol continued to cruise in Tajikistan so join the-AFC.com as we recap the latest domestic action across Central and West Asia.

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.

East Asia Wrap: Sangmu lead as Ulsan beaten in derby; Wu treble in Port win

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

East Asia Wrap: Sangmu lead as Ulsan beaten in derby; Wu treble in Port win

Hong Kong: The lead changed hands in Korea Republic for the third time in six matchdays with Gimcheon Sangmu emerging as the frontrunners after they beat Daegu FC 2-0 on Saturday and holders Ulsan Hyundai went down 2-1 to Pohang Steelers in the East Coast Derby on Sunday.

Wu Lei continues to score goals for fun in China PR as his hat-trick helped defending champions Shanghai Port preserve their two-point lead over rivals Shanghai Shenhua at the top following a 3-1 defeat of Zhejiang FC while Shandong Taishan suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Beijing FC on Sunday. 

Machida Zeliva’s lead in Japan increased to five points after a crucial 3-1 victory against Gamba Osaka while there were also matches taking place in Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Macau and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we look back at last week’s action from across East Asia.

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Mon, 01 Jul, 2024

Etheridge moves to Buriram United

Bangkok: Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has signed for reigning Thailand champions Buriram United.

Etheridge, 34, joins Buriram from English Championship side Birmingham City, having also previously featured for Cardiff City.