Road to 26: Six matches to look out for

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Road to 26: Six matches to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday has produced a string of encounters over the upcoming months that Asian football fans can look forward to with great excitement.

Eighteen nations were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed places and a possible additional spot via a playoff on offer for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

With the draw setting up several high-profile clashes in the next phase of the qualifiers beginning September 5, the-AFC.com takes a look at six such matches that stand out during the early stages of the AFC Asian Qualifiers third round.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_semi-final__jordan_2_-_0_korea_republic_1.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/video/asianqualifiers_-_group_b_|_saudi_arabia_1_-_0_japan.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/asiancup2023_|_semi-final__islamic_republic_of_iran_2_-_3_qatar_1.html

Palestine’s Daboub gears up for ‘difficult’ campaign

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Palestine’s Daboub gears up for ‘difficult’ campaign

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine head coach Makram acknowledged that his side were dealt a tough hand on Thursday, following the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

The West Asians were placed in Group B alongside Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman and Kuwait for the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying, with direct slots on offer to the top two finishers of each of the three groups.

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Uzbekistan on mission to realise FIFA World Cup dream

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan are clear on their objectives after being placed in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 with team manager Sherzod Igamberdiev eyeing a successful campaign.

Kicking off their bid for a first appearance on the global stage with a home tie DPR Korea on September 5, Uzbekistan will also have to contend with Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic to grab one of the two automatic spots from the group to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Ivankovic urges China PR to believe

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Ivankovic urges China PR to believe

Kuala Lumpur: Branko Ivankovic wants his China PR squad to go into the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 believing they can compete with the other nations in Group C as the country attempts to secure a berth in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Chinese have not qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals since making their debut appearance in Japan and Korea Republic in 2002 and Ivankovic’s side have been handed a tough task after being drawn against Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia.

But after turning the nation’s qualifying campaign around in their last four matches in the second phase when he replaced Aleksandar Jankovic as coach in February, the experienced Croatian is confident his team can make an impact along the road to the Finals.

Qatar primed for historic mission

Sun, 30 Jun, 2024

Qatar primed for historic mission

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will leave no stone unturned in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, said technical director Tim Cahill. 

Seeking to qualify for the global showpiece on merit after having made their debut as hosts of the 2022 edition, Qatar were drawn in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26 on Thursday.

The two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions will face Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and DPR Korea in what promises to be an enthralling campaign. 

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Ghalenoei: IR Iran can draw confidence from past results

Kuala Lumpur: Having emerged from the second round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ with an unbeaten record, the Islamic of Republic of Iran will be aiming to continue their impressive form when the next stage kicks off in September.

The second-highest ranked Asian side in the FIFA rankings at 20, IR Iran are seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance and head coach Amir Ghalenoei is optimistic about qualification despite being drawn in a tough Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.

Bento wants UAE to seize opportunity

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Bento wants UAE to seize opportunity

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Paulo Bento wants his United Arab Emirates side to make full use of the increased number of FIFA World Cup qualification slots when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

With Asia’s confirmed slots increased to eight compared to just four for the Qatar 2022 edition, Bento believes UAE can end their long wait for a second appearance at the global showpiece, having made their debut in the 1990 edition.

Jordan to go all out in FIFA World Cup quest

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024

Jordan to go all out in FIFA World Cup quest

Kuala Lumpur: After their impressive run to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final, Jordan are ready to write another chapter in their footballing history. 

The West Asians, whose progress to the Continental showpiece final in February represented their best ever finish in the tournament, are seeking their maiden appearance on the global stage.

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Sat, 29 Jun, 2024

Lisitsyn: Kyrgyz Republic want to create more history

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn has vowed to continue making history for Kyrgyz football as the White Falcons gear up for their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 campaign.

Drawn in Group A, the Central Asian side will face Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and DPR Korea in their debut at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

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.

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™.