Preview - Group C: Bahrain v Indonesia

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group C: Bahrain v Indonesia

Riffa: Bahrain will look to make home advantage count at the second time of asking when they host Indonesia in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Thursday.

Having seen one home opportunity lost after succumbing 5-0 to Japan in September, head coach Dragan Talajic is hopeful for a different outcome but is acutely aware that Indonesia will be no pushovers after seeing them battle past two tough matches.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_road_to_26_|_preview_matchday_3.html

Preview - Group C: Saudi Arabia v Japan

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group C: Saudi Arabia v Japan

Jeddah: Japan have a perfect run to protect when they face Saudi Arabia in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday.

Two wins from as many matches with 12 goals scored and none conceded, the Samurai Blue will face their toughest test yet as they look to make their eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu is anticipating a tough encounter, with the conditions in Jeddah possibly one of the factors which could influence the outcome of the game.

Preview - Group C: Australia v China PR

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group C: Australia v China PR

Adelaide: A new era begins for Australia under Tony Popovic as they look to revive their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes when they take on China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie on Thursday.

The 51-year-old faces a baptism of fire, having taken over from Graham Arnold as he looks to prevent the Socceroos from missing their first Finals since 2012.

Arnold stepped down after Australia only picked up one point from their opening two matches against Bahrain and Indonesia and Popovic has called on his players to show desire and togetherness.

Preview - Group A: United Arab Emirates v DPR Korea

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group A: United Arab Emirates v DPR Korea

Al Ain: United Arab Emirates will be determined to get back on the winning trail when they welcome DPR Korea to the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium for their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Thursday.

Both teams need a win, with UAE on three points while DPR Korea only have one following the opening two matches.

Preview - Group A: Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group A: Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Tashkent: Uzbekistan will aim to get it right when they host Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Thursday.

Both teams are tied on six points after opening their campaigns with two wins, with Uzbekistan leading the standings on goal difference.

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Kyrgyz Republic

Doha: Qatar and Kyrgyz Republic will face off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie knowing losing is not an option for either side.

Qatar walked away from the opening two matchdays with just a point while debutants Kyrgyz Republic suffered losses leaving the two teams propping the group.

Preview - Group B: Iraq v Palestine

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group B: Iraq v Palestine

Basra: Palestine will have their work cut out for them when they take on Iraq in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B encounter at the Basra International Stadium on Thursday.

Makram Daboub’s debutant side are still searching for their first win and will go against an Iraqi side that has yet to concede a goal.

Preview - Group B: Jordan v Korea Republic

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group B: Jordan v Korea Republic

Amman: Jordan and Korea Republic will be without their key players when they face off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B fixture at the Amman International Stadium on Thursday.

The absence of Son Heung-min and Mousa Al Tamari adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle for the three points on Matchday Three.

Preview - Group B: Oman v Kuwait

Wed, 09 Oct, 2024

Preview - Group B: Oman v Kuwait

Muscat: Oman will be determined to revive their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group B campaign when they meet Kuwait at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Thursday.

Back to back defeats have left the West Asians rooted at the bottom of the standings and victory is crucial for their hopes of remaining in contention for qualification. 

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Late goals, upsets and all you need to know ahead of Matchdays 3 and 4

Mon, 07 Oct, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Late goals, upsets and all you need to know ahead of Matchdays 3 and 4

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s top 18 nations are all set to return to action for Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ -Road to 26 in the coming week.  

But before we get going, don’t forget to sign up for our ‘Free-to-Play’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Road to 26 Match Predictor. You can compete against friends, show off your knowledge and win exclusive prizes along the way. Why wait? Join now: https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/predictor.html 

The Matchday 1 and 2 encounters in early September delivered the goods in emphatic style with a number of upsets grabbing the headlines.  

Ahead of the next set of double-headers on October 10 and 15, we look back at some of the standout stories from the opening set of games and look forward to the games to look out for.  

#AsianQualifiers - MD3: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 08 Oct, 2024

#AsianQualifiers - MD3: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: Numerous sub-plots will be at play on Matchday Three of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

While some teams will be out to further tighten their grips on their respective groups, others will be on a mission to revive their campaigns.

Ahead of Thursday's matches, the-AFC.com picks out five things to look out for.