Preview - Group B: DPR Korea v Syria; Myanmar v Japan

Tue, 04 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group B: DPR Korea v Syria; Myanmar v Japan

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea face Syria in what is set to be a mouth-watering clash in Group B of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Syria will head into Thursday's clash at the neutral venue of the Lao National Stadium only needing a draw to confirm a top-two finish which will book their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

DPR Korea need a win to keep their hopes of joining already-qualified Japan in the next stage.

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Preview - Group C: China PR v Thailand; Singapore v Korea Republic

Tue, 04 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group C: China PR v Thailand; Singapore v Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic and China PR will aim to lock in the top two spots in Group C of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

Korea Republic only need a draw against Singapore to book their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals while a win for China PR against Thailand will confirm their progression, which will also end the hopes of their Southeast Asian opponents.

Preview - Group D: Chinese Taipei v Oman; Kyrgyz Republic v Malaysia

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group D: Chinese Taipei v Oman; Kyrgyz Republic v Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Oman and Kyrgyz Republic will be aiming to confirm their positions as the top two in Group D of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ when they take to the field against Chinese Taipei and Malaysia respectively on Thursday.

Both are on nine points and victories on Matchday Five will take them to the next stage of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying as well as booking their place in Saudi Arabia 2027.

Preview - Group E: Uzbekistan v Turkmenistan; Hong Kong, China v IR Iran

Thu, 30 May, 2024

Preview - Group E: Uzbekistan v Turkmenistan; Hong Kong, China v IR Iran

Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran will put their unbeaten runs in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ to the test when they face Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, China respectively on Thursday.

Both sides are already assured of a top two finish in Group E, having picked up 10 points from three wins and a draw, and will be seeking to keep their run going.

Preview - Group F: Vietnam v Philippines; Indonesia v Iraq

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group F: Vietnam v Philippines; Indonesia v Iraq

Hanoi: Vietnam will look to revive their fortunes with newly appointed head coach Kim Sang-sik when they host Philippines in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group F match on Thursday. 

Seeking a win in his first competitive match in charge, Kim called up a familiar squad with the core similar to his predecessor Philippe Troussier but expectations are it will be a different set-up and style on the pitch.

Preview - Group G: Pakistan v Saudi Arabia; Jordan v Tajikistan

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group G: Pakistan v Saudi Arabia; Jordan v Tajikistan

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia are set to fire on all cylinders when they meet Pakistan in Group G of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday.

The Green Falcons lead the standings with 10 points, three ahead of Jordan, and victory against Pakistan will confirm their spot in the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Preview - Group H: Nepal v United Arab Emirates; Bahrain v Yemen

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group H: Nepal v United Arab Emirates; Bahrain v Yemen

Dammam: United Arab Emirates will be aiming to extend their winning run when they meet bottom placed Nepal in Group H of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday. 

Bahrain, meanwhile, will look to join UAE in the next phase of qualifying when they meet Yemen. 

Preview - Group I: Palestine v Lebanon; Bangladesh v Australia

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Preview - Group I: Palestine v Lebanon; Bangladesh v Australia

Doha: Lebanon have a golden opportunity to revive their Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group I campaign when they face history-chasing Palestine on Thursday.

Miodrag Radulovic’s side are third in the standings, five points adrift of second placed Palestine, after their 5-0 setback on Matchday Four against leaders Australia, who are through to the next round.

Palestine, however, are on the verge of creating history as they have never progressed past the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

#AsianQualifiers - Facts & Figures

Fri, 31 May, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ will conclude in the coming days with Matchdays Five and Six to be played on June 6 & 11.

Much is at stake and the action promises to be thrilling so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some interesting facts and figures ahead of the final two rounds of matches.

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.