2026 World Cup: How nations from around the world can qualify
The race for the 2026 World Cup has begun in earnest. Here's how it's looking around the globe.
Kluivert laments missed penalty but vows Indonesia will keep attacking
Patrick Kluivert lamented a missed penalty that proved costly as his first game in charge of Indonesia ended in defeat.
Saudi Arabia edge China 1-0 in World Cup qualifier
VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF SAUDI ARABIA BEATING CHINA 1-0 IN SOCCER WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Iran on the verge of World Cup qualification after UAE win
VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF IRAN BEATING THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 2-0 IN SOCCER WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
The five minutes that smiled on the Socceroos' World Cup qualification campaign
As far as footballing analysis goes, that goals change games isn't the most cutting of insights, but sometimes the simplest of wisdom can be the most percipient.
Unstoppable Samurai Blue: Reliving Japan's charge to the 2026 World Cup
Japan are the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Here's how they did so -- in sheer dominant fashion.
Wataru Endo, Takefusa Kubo react to Japan's World Cup 2026 qualification (0:42)
Kamada, Kubo strike as Japan become first nation to qualify for World Cup
VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF JAPAN PLAYING BAHRAIN IN A SOCCER WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
South Korea held to 1-1 draw after Oman's 80th minute goal in World Cup Qualifier
VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH KOREA DRAWING 1-1 WITH OMAN IN SOCCER WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Japan become 1st side to qualify for '26 World Cup
Japan beat Bahrain 2-0 in Saitama on Thursday to become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Socceroos sink Indonesia in major qualifying win
The Socceroos have taken a giant step towards automatic World Cup qualification by hammering Indonesia 5-1 in the most emphatic victory of the Tony Popovic era.
What to watch for in March internationals: Tuchel's England debut, Ronaldo goals, Poch's first big U.S. test
It's the first internationals of the year! There's lots happening as World Cup qualifying ramps up and European teams face off in the Nations League.
Foreign-born or homegrown, Idzes insists 'duty' to Indonesia is clear for all
Despite Indonesia's influx of foreign-born talent, Jay Idzes insists everyone is aware of their "duty" to the nation.
Son Heung-min in 'very good' physical condition despite Tottenham squad rotation (1:17)
Popovic: I wish Kluivert well, but not against us (1:08)
Man City's Khusanov gifted Mercedes on return to Uzbekistan (1:33)
Talajić in no doubt Bahrain will delay Japan's World Cup qualification
Dragan Talajić is supremely confident his Bahrain side will pull of a huge upset against Japan on Thursday.
Familiar arena looms as venue for Endō's next big achievement: World Cup-qualifying captain
On a familar ground, Wataru Endō's next achievement could just come in the form of a World Cup-qualifying captain.
Arzani 'ready' for Socceroos after Popovic blast
Most Socceroos would go into their shell if they were on the receiving end of a Tony Popovic blast, but Daniel Arzani says a public dressing down from "the boss" was exactly what he needed.
Duke axed as Socceroos recall Davidson, Karacic
Tony Popovic has named a radically changed Socceroos squad for this month's crunch World Cup qualifiers, axing striker Mitchell Duke and handing shock recalls to fullback duo Jason Davidson and Fran Karacic.
Sydney FC chief Aubrey reiterates positives of Australia's role in Asian football
Sydney FC chief Mark Aubrey believes football can play a big role in growing Australian ties in Asia.
Socceroos Depth Chart: Injuries galore ahead of crunch qualifiers
A raft of injuries in key positions mean that Tony Popovic could be calling on a number of debutants for March's qualifiers vs. Indonesia and China. Joey Lynch takes a look at the Socceroos' options.
Iraq demands new venue for Palestine WCQ match
Iraq seeks to relocate their World Cup qualifier against Palestine from FIFA's neutral venue suggestion, Amman, and a Palestinian proposal near Jerusalem.
Indonesia appoint Cruyff as technical advisor
Indonesia have appointed ex-Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff as its new national team technical advisor.
FIFA suspends Congo Rep., Pakistan federations
FIFA has suspended the Congo Republic's football association (FECOFOOT) and the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), barring both from international competitions.
WCQ - AFC Ladder
| Group A | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | +9 | 19 |
| Uzbekistan | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | +4 | 16 |
| United Arab Emirates | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | +6 | 10 |
| Qatar | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | -3 | 10 |
| Kyrgyz Republic | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | -8 | 3 |
| North Korea | 7 | 0 | 2 | 5 | -8 | 2 |
| Group B | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| South Korea | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | +7 | 15 |
| Jordan | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | +6 | 12 |
| Iraq | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 12 |
| Oman | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 7 |
| Kuwait | 7 | 0 | 5 | 2 | -6 | 5 |
| Palestine | 7 | 0 | 3 | 4 | -6 | 3 |
| Group C | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Japan | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | +22 | 19 |
| Australia | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | +5 | 10 |
| Saudi Arabia | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | -2 | 9 |
| Indonesia | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | -7 | 6 |
| Bahrain | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | -7 | 6 |
| China | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -11 | 6 |