While pleased with his side's winning start, head coach Jesus Casas has reminded Iraq that they still have a long way to go to secure a ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Brunei Darussalam defeated Macau 3-0 in the first leg of their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ playoff tie at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Thursday.

Korea Republic know only a win against Germany on Saturday can keep their hopes of advancing to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 knockout stage alive.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said he had learned the lessons of previous struggles in the early matches of the final round in Asia’s FIFA World Cup qualifying to lead the Samurai Blue to a resounding 7-0 victory over China PR at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Islamic Republic of Iran made a winning start to their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A campaign but head coach Amir Ghalenoei feels more is needed if his side are to make a fourth successive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Paulo Bento heaped praise on his United Arab Emirates players after they showed tremendous fighting spirit to claw their way back from a losing position to stun Qatar 3-1 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A clash on Thursday.

The finishing line is in sight for 18 of the Continent’s national teams as they prepare to resume their qualifying journey for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday.

Uzbekistan laboured to a 1-0 win over DPR Korea in their opening AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A match at Bunyodkor Stadium on Thursday.

Six nations will battle it out in the playoffs to reach the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round with the first leg matches set to take place on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia have a perfect record to maintain when they kickstart their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C campaign against Indonesia at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday.