Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 Draw Finalised

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 Draw Finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ was completed at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

A total 20 teams were divided into 10 pairings, with each pair to play one home and one away match on October 12 and 17, 2023 respectively.

Ikeda: Positive energy powering Japan

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Ikeda: Positive energy powering Japan

Dunedin: Japan are looking forward to locking horns with Spain after both teams booked their places in the knockout stage of the FIFA Women's World Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Wednesday.

Japan defeated Costa Rica 2-0 and their Round of 16 berth was confirmed after Spain beat Zambia 5-0, with both teams taking their points haul to six.
 
They meet in Wellington on Monday to decide the group winners, with Spain currently ahead on goal difference. 

Group E: Horan rescues point for United States against the Netherlands

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Group E: Horan rescues point for United States against the Netherlands

Wellington: Captain Lindsey Horan scored a second-half equaliser as holders the United States came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, in a rematch of the 2019 final between the teams.

Dutch midfielder Jill Roord fired home a first-half opener to threaten a momentous result in the Group E clash in Wellington.

Group B: Canada fight back to keep hopes alive

Wed, 26 Jul, 2023

Group B: Canada fight back to keep hopes alive

Perth: Manchester United forward Adriana Leon ignited Canada's FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 campaign on Wednesday with the winner in a 2-1 victory to end Ireland's hopes at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

The pressure was on Olympic champions Canada after being held to a goalless draw against Nigeria but they fought back after being stunned in the fourth minute when Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner, much to the delight of the 17,065 fans, most of whom were loudly cheering for Ireland despite the rain.
 
But Canada clawed back through an own goal from Megan Connolly just before half-time before Leon provided the winner in the 53rd minute which ended Ireland's hopes of progressing on their World Cup debut.

Group C: Spain cruise past Zambia to advance

Wed, 26 Jul, 2023

Group C: Spain cruise past Zambia to advance

Auckland: Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice as Spain qualified for the last 16 of the  FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 with a 5-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday, a result that also propelled Japan into the knockout phase.

The fit-again Alexia Putellas was handed a start by Spain coach Jorge Vilda and she played a part in early goals by Teresa Abelleira and Hermoso at Eden Park before substitute Redondo scored twice in the second half, either side of another Hermoso goal as Spain cruised to victory.
Japan had beaten Costa Rica 2-0 earlier and they and Spain, have a better goal difference, are now locked on six points each and need just a draw to finish in first place when the sides clash in Wellington.
Zambia are already condemned to a first-round exit in their debut appearance at the World Cup after a second successive 5-0 hammering.

Bolden just happy to be part of Philippines history

Wed, 26 Jul, 2023

Bolden just happy to be part of Philippines history

Wellington: It should have come as no surprise that the Philippines’ first ever goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be scored by Sarina Bolden.

The 27-year-old has, after all, been at the heart of the Filipinas rapid rise which culminated with the Southeast Asian side sealing a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. 
 
Bolden scored the winning spot-kick in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 quarter-final triumph over Chinese Taipei, a victory that sealed Alen Stajcic’s squad the historic FIFA Women’s World Cup berth and on Tuesday, the midfielder rose above the New Zealand defence to nod home the only goal of their Group A tie at the Wellington Regional Stadium.