Japan to focus on 'best' preparations, says Yamamoto

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Japan to focus on 'best' preparations, says Yamamoto

Kuala Lumpur: Japan technical director Masakuni Yamamoto insisted preparation will be key if the Samurai Blue are to secure an eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification when the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 kicks off in September.

The Hajime Moriyasu-coached side will take on Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR and Indonesia in Group C with the draw ensuring a number of long-haul trips lie ahead for many of Japan’s predominantly Europe-based squad.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/highlights_fifa_world_cup_26_preliminary_draw__afc_asian_qualifiers_-_road_to_26_official_draw.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asian_qualifiers_road_to_26_|_group_c_reaction.html

Asian hopefuls learn Road to 26 challengers

Thu, 27 Jun, 2024

Asian hopefuls learn Road to 26 challengers

Kuala Lumpur: The continent's path to the FIFA World Cup 2026 was finalised following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 18 teams were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed berths and a possible additional spot via a playoff available for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia and Palestine are making their debuts at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

Oman ready to roar

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Oman ready to roar

Kuala Lumpur: Oman are optimistic about their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 chances after being drawn in Group B with Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, and Kuwait. 

Following their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ heartbreak, the Reds bounced back to enjoy a comfortable outing in the concluding matches of Round 2 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™. 

Lee confident of Korea Republic’s chances

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Lee confident of Korea Republic’s chances

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic are relishing the prospect of a ‘western’ adventure after they were drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 on Thursday.

Seeking an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals, the Taegeuk Warriors  will have to contend with West Asian opposition in Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait but Korea Football Association technical director Lee Lim-saeng was optimistic about their chances. 

Indonesia buoyant despite tough task

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Indonesia buoyant despite tough task

Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia are under no illusion about the task that awaits them after being drawn in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China PR on Thursday.

Assistant coach Choi In-cheul is expecting a difficult campaign with four of their five opponents (except Bahrain) sharing 20 FIFA World Cup qualifications between them.

Bahrain aim to surprise

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Bahrain aim to surprise

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain may be the odd ones out but the West Asian side are determined to secure a long-awaited FIFA World Cup berth following the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 draw on Thursday.

Drawn in Group C, Bahrain found themselves alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China PR and Indonesia  - with all five opponents having featured at least once in the global showpiece. 

Australia's Arnold unfazed by challenging draw

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Australia's Arnold unfazed by challenging draw

Kuala Lumpur: Australia head coach Graham Arnold is confident the Socceroos can book a berth at a sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals after his side were drawn to face Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR and Indonesia in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Thursday.

The six nations face off for a place in the 2026 Finals in Group C with the Japanese, Saudi Arabians and Australians renewing their rivalries after playing one another at the same stage of the preliminaries for the both the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

On the most recent occasion, Saudi Arabia won the group with Japan taking the second automatic qualifying berth at the Finals while Australia advanced after progressing through the Intercontinental Playoff with a penalty shoot-out victory over Peru in Doha.