As the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfold, Japan stands on the brink of achieving its eighth consecutive participation in the world’s most prestigious football tournament. With four matches remaining in the third round of qualifiers, the dominance of the Samurai Blue is evident, as they hold a commanding nine-point lead over
FIFA World Cup Qualifying – AFC
Qatar entered the international football arena with heightened aspirations following their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to expand to 48 teams, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) offering eight guaranteed spots, hopes were undeniably high for Qatar to return on merit. This anticipation was amplified by
In a world where the international football coaching landscape is increasingly unstable, the ability of a coach to remain at the helm through several World Cup cycles is an extraordinary accomplishment. Hajime Moriyasu’s leadership of the Japanese national football team since 2018 is a testament to both his resilience and the growing strength of Japanese
As the Socceroos prepare for their crucial AFC World Cup qualifiers, they face unexpected challenges that could alter the course of their campaign. The recent withdrawal of Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo due to an ankle injury has opened the door for Nashville SC’s Patrick Yazbek to step up. This article delves into the implications
In the realms of Asian football, few names resonate as profoundly as Son Heung-Min. After a brief hiatus from recognition, the esteemed Tottenham Hotspur forward and captain of the South Korean national team finds himself back in contention for the AFC’s male International Player of the Year award for 2023. Renowned for his prowess on
Tony Popovic’s appointment as the head coach of the Socceroos marks a significant transition for Australian football. Following the resignation of Graham Arnold, Popovic’s two-year tenure is set to guide the national team through the crucial qualification stages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Skipping the customary introductory phase often afforded to new managers, Popovic
As the Indonesian capital winds down for the day, the Socceroos are seen training in preparation for a World Cup qualifier against Indonesia. The training grounds are shared with young children playing their own games on the surrounding pitches. This unique situation showcases the blend of a seasoned national team alongside the budding talents of
Japan showcased an impressive attacking display in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Hajime Moriyasu introduced a new system, the 3-4-2-1 formation, which allowed the team to utilize their attacking talent effectively. The deployment of three central defenders and two central midfielders was conventional, but the inclusion
Qatar, as the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, have continued their domination in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a strong performance in the second round, where they picked up five wins and a draw, Qatar secured their spot in the third round. Star striker Almoez Ali impressed with seven goals,
Hong Myung-Bo is undoubtedly a legend of South Korean football, known for his impressive career as a player. He led South Korea to a remarkable fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and won the Bronze Ball in the process. With 136 caps for the Taegeuk Warriors over a 12-year span, he has left