New coaches to chart course

Sun, 02 Jun, 2024

New coaches to chart course

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ will see new faces at the helm of three teams for the final two matchdays on June 6 and 11.

While there were 10 changes for Matchday Three and Four, the concluding rounds will see three teams managed by new or interim coaches.

#AsianQualifiers: How it stands

Thu, 30 May, 2024

#AsianQualifiers: How it stands

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualifiers – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ returns for the final two matchdays with still much to play for.

While several teams have already booked their spots in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals, numerous sides need results on the final two matchdays to earn their berths.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand ahead of Matchday Five on June 6.

Korea Republic concede to United States

Sun, 02 Jun, 2024

Korea Republic concede to United States

Denver: Korea Republic suffered a 4-0 defeat to the United States in an international women's friendly on Saturday.

Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson scored two goals apiece to give head coach Emma Hayes a resounding victory in her first game in charge of the American women since her appointment was announced in November last year.

Japan cruise past New Zealand; Australia fight back to hold China PR

Sat, 01 Jun, 2024

Japan cruise past New Zealand; Australia fight back to hold China PR

Murcia: Japan scored either side of half-time to defeat New Zealand 2-0 in an international women's friendly in Murcia, Spain on Friday.

Australia, meanwhile, needed a last-gasp equaliser to hold China PR 1-1 in their friendly in Adelaide.

Both Japan and Australia are using the friendlies to prepare for the Paris Olympic Games.

Bounou stars as Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to lift Saudi King's Cup

Sat, 01 Jun, 2024

Bounou stars as Al Hilal edge Al Nassr to lift Saudi King's Cup

Riyadh: Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two spot-kicks as Al Hilal edged Al Nassr 5-4 on penalties in the Saudi King's Cup final on Friday.

With the match having ended 1-1 after 120 minutes with Al Hilal reduced to nine men and Al Nassr 10, Bounou saved Ali Al Hassan and Meshari Al Nemer's efforts in the shootout as Al Hilal completed the League and Cup double.

Al Sadd sign Spanish forward Rafa Mujica

Fri, 31 May, 2024

Al Sadd sign Spanish forward Rafa Mujica

Doha: Spanish forward Rafa Mujica has signed a four-year deal with Al Sadd SC, the Qatar Stars League champions announced on Thursday.

Mujica, who represented Spain at the U19 level, joins Al Sadd from Portuguese side FC Arouca.