Korea Republic's Bento raring to face unique challenge

Thu, 10 Nov, 2022

Korea Republic's Bento raring to face unique challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Paulo Bento will take Korea Republic to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 looking to overcome his own disappointing memories of a previous tournament while taking on his homeland in the group phase in a highly personal clash.

Capped 35 times as a player for Portugal, the former midfielder experienced reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2000 with his nation while claiming the Portuguese league title with Sporting before taking over as an academy coach at the Lisbon-based club in 2004.

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Son declares himself fit after eye socket fracture

Thu, 10 Nov, 2022

Son declares himself fit after eye socket fracture

London: Korea Republic star Son Heung-min allayed fears he could miss the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Wednesday as he told fans he "can't wait to represent our beautiful country" in Qatar.

The Tottenham forward had to have surgery on an eye socket fracture suffered in Spurs' 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Marseille last week.

Korea Republic begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Uruguay on November 24 before also facing Ghana and Portugal in Group H.

Japan's Moriyasu gets his date with destiny

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

Japan's Moriyasu gets his date with destiny

Kuala Lumpur: Hajime Moriyasu overcame doubts about his tenure midway through the qualifiers to steer Japan to Qatar 2022 and maintain his nation’s record of qualifying for the Finals every time since the Samurai Blue made their FIFA World Cup debut in France in 1998.

The 54-year-old’s time in charge looked destined to end when, after losses against Oman and Saudi Arabia in their first three games of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™, the calls for a new head coach were growing louder by the day.

Arnold's opportunity to chart new course for Australia

Wed, 09 Nov, 2022

Arnold's opportunity to chart new course for Australia

Sydney: Graham Arnold will not be appearing at his first FIFA World Cup when he leads Australia out for their opening game in Qatar 2022 against defending champions France on November 22, but the former striker will finally be the man calling the shots for the Socceroos.

The 59-year-old has been present at the tournament in the past, working as an assistant alongside Guus Hiddink in 2006 when the Australians reached the knockout stage before also serving as deputy to Pim Verbeek in South Africa four years later.
 
But this time will be different for the former Sydney FC and Vegalta Sendai coach as he makes the decisions that will determine Australia’s fate at the game’s greatest event.

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group A Teams

Tue, 08 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group A Teams

Doha: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off in less than two weeks with the squads either finalising their preparations or getting set to assemble ahead of the global showpiece.

Qatar 2022 promises to be a fiesta of football so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the 32 teams, kicking off the series with Group A.

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group B Teams

Wed, 09 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022 - Know Your Group B Teams

Doha: Group B of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 promises thrilling action with Islamic Republic of Iran looking to advance into the knockout stage for the first time. 

Team Melli will have to be at their best with England, the United States of America and Wales also looking to advance. 

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 01 Nov, 2022

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 only days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 2018

Mon, 07 Nov, 2022

Asian Moments at the FIFA World Cup: 2018

Kuala Lumpur: With less than two weeks to go until the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022, the-AFC.com continues its look back at how the Asian teams have performed at the global showpiece over the years. 

Four years ago, Russia 2018 marked the first time the Asian Football Confederation had five representatives as Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia all advanced to the 2018 edition. 

And it was to be a campaign that produced a number of memorable moments, from Son Heung-min eliminating Germany to Alireza Beiranvand denying Cristiano Ronaldo and much more.