Qatar fall to Valencia brace

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Qatar fall to Valencia brace

Al Khor: Qatar made the worst possible start to their hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Sunday as Felix Sanchez’s Asian champions slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ecuador in their Group A opener at Al Bayt Stadium.

Enner Valencia’s first-half double sent the South Americans on their way to victory while the tournament organisers are left needing to bounce back in their next game when they take on Senegal on Friday. The African side face the Netherlands in their opener on Monday.

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Preview - Group B: England v IR Iran

Mon, 21 Nov, 2022

Preview - Group B: England v IR Iran

Doha: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz believes a fighting spirit is key if his side are to stand a chance against England in their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign opener on Monday.

One of six AFC representatives taking part in the global showcase, Iran’s Group B campaign kicks-off against the 2018 semi-finalists at the Khalifa International Stadium before they take on the United States and Wales; three testing matches for Asia’s top placed nation in the FIFA rankings. 

Having faced the challenges of Spain, Portugal and Morocco back in 2018, walking away with four points and finishing third in the group, Queiroz’s young Iran side back then are four years more experienced now and look more capable of navigating the challenges presented in the current group stage. 

Spectacular opening ceremony kicks off Qatar 2022

Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

Spectacular opening ceremony kicks off Qatar 2022

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicked off with a sizzling opening ceremony before 60,000 fans inside Al Bayt Stadium and millions more around the world on Sunday.

A sparkling opening ceremony invited the world to come together in Qatar as the FIFA World Cup kicked off for the first time in the Middle East and Arab world. 

Boyle withdrawn from Socceroos' squad

Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

Boyle withdrawn from Socceroos' squad

Doha: Socceroos winger Martin Boyle will not participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament after he succumbed to a knee injury, Football Australia said on Sunday.

Head coach Graham Arnold said Boyle and the team medical staff had done everything to try and prepare the player for the tournament, but were forced to rule him out on Saturday night.

Japan put German friendships in deep freeze for opener

Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

Japan put German friendships in deep freeze for opener

Doha: Eight of Japan's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 squad play in the Bundesliga but forward Ritsu Doan said that friendships are on hold when they meet Germany in their opening game in Qatar.

Japan start their Group E campaign against the Germans on Wednesday and both teams are likely to come up against some familiar faces from their club sides.

Doan could square off against Freiburg teammates Matthias Ginter and Christian Gunter, while Japan's Eintracht Frankfurt forward Daichi Kamada could be reunited with Mario Gotze and Kevin Trapp.

MD1: 6 things to look out for

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

MD1: 6 things to look out for

Doha: We’re now just hours away from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicking off as the hosts prepare to make their tournament bow against Ecuador on Sunday while five other Asian nations begin their campaigns in the ensuing days.

It’s a record number of Asian Football Confederation members participating as the festival of football returns to the continent 20 years after being co-hosted by Japan and Korea Republic in the first time it was ever held in Asia. 

As excitement builds ahead of the opening round of group fixtures, the-AFC.com highlights six things to look out for.

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Sat, 19 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Asian Stars to Watch

Doha:  AFC representatives Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will feature some of the biggest names in Asian football at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

With a record six Asian teams at the FIFA World Cup, the participating nations will be turning to their star players to drive them forward against the world’s elite. The-AFC.com profiles six players who could make the difference for the continent's representatives in Qatar.

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Fri, 18 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Young Stars to Watch

Doha: The FIFA World Cup has long since offered the perfect platform for some of the brightest stars from the next generation to showcase their talents to the global audience.

And the 2022 edition in Qatar will be no different with a number of young players from the six Asian representatives looking to step up and show the world what they’re capable of. 

Ahead of the tournament kicking off on Sunday, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on six prospects to keep an eye out for in the weeks ahead.