Round 2 - Group C: Korea Republic 5-0 Singapore

Fri, 29 Mar, 2024

Round 2 - Group C: Korea Republic 5-0 Singapore

Seoul: Korea Republic made a winning start to the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ by defeating Singapore 5-0 in Group C at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.

Cho Gue-sung broke the deadlock at the end of a first half where the Koreans had more than 80 percent of possession before second-half strikes from Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, Hwang Ui-jo and Lee Kang-in gave Jurgen Klinsmann his first competitive victory as the Korea head coach.

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Round 2 - MD1: Results & Reports

Fri, 17 Nov, 2023

Round 2 - MD1: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday One of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ saw high octane action on Thursday.

There were resounding wins, hard-fought draws and heartbreaking defeats as the 36 teams began their respective campaigns across the continent.
 
The nine group winners and their respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
 
Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com with Matchday Two to be played on Tuesday. 

Round 2 - Group B: Japan 5-0 Myanmar

Fri, 29 Mar, 2024

Round 2 - Group B: Japan 5-0 Myanmar

Osaka: Ayase Ueda scored a hat trick to lead Japan to a comfortable 5-0 win over Myanmar at Suita Stadium on Thursday as Hajime Moriyasu’s side made a strong start to the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027.

Ueda was joined on the scoresheet by Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan as the four-time AFC Asian Cup winners and seven-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers notched up a comprehensive victory in their Group B opener.

Round 2 - Group I: Australia 7-0 Bangladesh

Fri, 29 Mar, 2024

Round 2 - Group I: Australia 7-0 Bangladesh

Melbourne: Australia made a statement in their Group I opener with a comprehensive 7-0 win over Bangladesh in the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Harry Souttar opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Brandon Borello made it 2-0 on 20 minutes and Mitchell Duke added a third and then a fourth in quick succession before half-time.
 
Jamie Maclaren then came off the bench to net a second-half hat-trick to put the icing on the cake for the Socceroos as they cruised to victory.

IR Iran primed to end long wait

Thu, 16 Nov, 2023

IR Iran primed to end long wait

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will feel that the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is the perfect stage for them to end their wait for a long overdue fourth continental title.

The last of Iran's three titles - won consecutively - was in 1976 with the Central Asian side's best having been semi-final finishes since.

Korea Republic edged by France

Wed, 15 Nov, 2023

Korea Republic edged by France

Jakarta: Korea Republic suffered a second successive defeat at the FIFA U17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 with Wednesday's loss to France seriously denting their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. 

The 1-0 win sealed France their place in the Round of 16, with the United States also confirming their spot from Group E after a 2-1 defeat of Burkina Faso. 

Bayern Munich sign Australian teenager Irankunda

Wed, 15 Nov, 2023

Bayern Munich sign Australian teenager Irankunda

Berlin: Bayern Munich have signed 17-year-old Nestory Irankunda, a rising star of Australian football, the Bundesliga champions announced on Wednesday.

The forward, who turns 18 on February 9, will join Bayern from Adelaide United on July 1 next year on a long-term contract.

#AFCCup Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Four

Wed, 15 Nov, 2023

#AFCCup Goals of the Group Stage - Matchday Four

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Four of the AFC Cup™ 2023/24 was filled with more drama as the teams headed into the final stretch of the group stage looking to seal their berths in the next phase.

Following another matchday of incredible action, the-AFC.com has selected eight of the best goals for you to pick your favourite.

Iraq ready to go the distance

Wed, 15 Nov, 2023

Iraq ready to go the distance

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Jesus Casas said it will be difficult but not impossible for Iraq to navigate Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, with four-time champions Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam their opponents.

Having overcome tremendous odds to emerge champions in 2007, Iraq's best achievement since then was a semi-final appearance in 2015 but the West Asian side look in good shape to challenge for the Qatar 2023 title.