Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Masked Son wants to give fans "joy and hope"

Al Rayyan: Son Heung-min says he is willing to risk his health to bring joy to Korea Republic's fans at the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 after being pictured training in a protective mask.

Son's participation in Qatar was in doubt when he suffered a fracture around his left eye in Tottenham's UEFA Champions League win at Marseille earlier this month, causing him to miss Spurs' last three pre-World Cup fixtures.

However, Son was named in Paulo Bento's 26-man World Cup squad and subsequently declared he would not miss the tournament "for the world".

Qatar 2022: Stats & Facts

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022: Stats & Facts

Doha: We’re now just days away from the curtain raiser at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when the host nation goes up against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday. 

Excitement has been building as the clock ticks down and, for the first time ever, a record six Asian teams will compete at the global showpiece as Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and Saudi Arabia take to the field in the Gulf nation. 

Ahead of the big kick-off, the-AFC.com takes a look at some of the other statistics involving the Asian Football Confederation’s representatives. 

Saudi Arabia edged by Croatia

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Saudi Arabia edged by Croatia

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia completed their preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 1-0 defeat against Croatia at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium on Wednesday.

The defeat won’t unduly worry head coach Herve Renard as Saudi Arabia performed well against the Russia 2018 runners-up.

Holders France touch down in Qatar

Thu, 17 Nov, 2022

Holders France touch down in Qatar

Doha: Defending champions France touched down in Qatar on Wednesday as they seek to become the first team to retain the FIFA World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was one of the first players off the plane.

Team Profile: Korea Republic

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Team Profile: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: FIFA World Cups without Korea Republic simply don’t happen anymore, with the 2022 edition in Qatar marking the 10th successive time they have qualified for the global showpiece and 11th overall.

A stunning semi-final showing in 2002 remains by far and away their greatest performance – and that of an Asian nation – on the global showpiece. But time and again they have proven a match for some of the world’s best and, with star players plying their trade all over the globe, the Taeguk Warriors will be dreaming big once more as they head to Doha.

Germany not a concern for Japan's Moriyasu

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Germany not a concern for Japan's Moriyasu

Doha: Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has said his side’s opening game at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 against four-time champions Germany will not be a do-or-die clash as the Samurai Blue attempt to break new ground at the global showpiece.

The Japanese will be appearing at their seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals having first qualified for the competition in France in 1998, with Moriyasu guiding his team to second place in their group behind Saudi Arabia to qualify for Qatar 2022.
 
And although the draw has not been kind to the four-time AFC Asian Cup winners, Moriyasu is refusing to train his gaze too intently on the task his team will face against Hansi Flick’s team on November 23.

Saudi Arabia defeat Qatar for title

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Saudi Arabia defeat Qatar for title

Jeddah: AFC U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022 champions Saudi Arabia added more silverware to their trophy cabinet with a 3-1 win over Qatar in the WAFF U23 Championship final on Tuesday.

The Saudis beat Uzbekistan 2-0 for the AFC U23 Asian Cup title last June.

Messi cautious over Argentina's chances

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Messi cautious over Argentina's chances

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi says he is cautious over Argentina's chances as he prepares to lead the team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, seeking to crown a glorious career by lifting the trophy in Qatar.

The South American side have won the trophy twice - in 1978 and 1986 - with Messi a defeated finalist in 2014.

Qatar 2022 squads officially confirmed

Tue, 15 Nov, 2022

Qatar 2022 squads officially confirmed

Doha: With the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar just days away, the full squads for all 32 teams can finally be confirmed as anticipation for kick off cranks up another notch.

The announcement of the 26-man lists confirms the sporting dreams of 832 players, who will all head to the 22nd edition of the Finals, which are set to kick-off when hosts Qatar face Ecuador in Al-Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

Korea Republic held by New Zealand; Australia defeat Thailand; Japan edged by Spain

Wed, 16 Nov, 2022

Korea Republic held by New Zealand; Australia defeat Thailand; Japan edged by Spain

Christchurch: Korea Republic needed a second half intervention from Park Yee-un to secure a 1-1 draw against New Zealand in an international friendly at the Orangetheory Stadium on Tuesday.

Park netted in the 57th minute to cancel out Olivia Chance’s 13th minute strike with Korea Republic missing a penalty in the closing stages of the game.

Socceroos legend Cahill appointed Australia's Head of Delegation

Tue, 15 Nov, 2022

Socceroos legend Cahill appointed Australia's Head of Delegation

Doha: One of Australian football’s most decorated former players, Tim Cahill has joined the Socceroos’ official staff for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as Head of Delegation. 

Cahill, who scored 50 goals in his 108 Socceroos’ appearances and represented his country at four FIFA World Cups, will support the team and staff on and off the field.