Teams learn Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 opponents

Thu, 27 Jul, 2023

Teams learn Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 opponents

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ following the draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 36 sides were drawn into nine groups of four, and they will compete against each team in a home-and-away round-robin format, between November 2023 and June 2024. 

Ten of the Round 2 teams will progress from Round 1 of the Preliminary Joint Qualification, with the draw conducted earlier on Thursday. As there will be 48 teams – a first – at the FIFA World Cup 2026, eight and a half slots are on offer for the Continent’s national teams. 

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.

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.