The Asian Game

Set for their eighth appearance at FIFA World Cup, Japan come in as the most favoured Asian nation to go far at this year's tournament. So, how far can Hajime Moriyasu's side go? Can they even go all the way? We discuss that, plus ask how they replace Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino on the eve of the tournament. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X:  https://twitte...

In Part 2 of our FIFA World Cup 2026 preview series, we cast our eye over three more of Asia's record nine nations participating at this year's tournament. With a focus on Japan, Saudi Arabia and Iran, we discuss the burning questions and topics heading into the World Cup: How do Japan replace Kaoru Mitoma? How far can Japan go? Can Saudi Arabia cause another shock like 2022? Can this Saudi team s...

In the third of our team-by-team previews ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, we turn our attention to Australia as they prepare to face Turkiye, USA and Paraguay. We discuss the perceptions of Australia from outside the Asian bubble, the excitement machine that is Nestory Irankunda, the injuries that have plagued key players and ask whether this is Australia's most exciting generation of players to...

In the second of our team-by-team previews for the nine AFC nations competing at this year's FIFA World Cup, we turn our attention to Qatar, who hosted the tournament in 2022. After the ignominy of 2022, can the back-to-back Asian champions bounce back in North America? Is it all on the form of Akram Afif? In an ageing squad, who are the young stars to keep an eye on this time around? We answer al...

In the first of our team-by-team previews, we cast our eye over Korea Republic and discuss their fortunes in Group A alongside Mexico, Czechia and South Africa. We ask whether this side is capable of repeating the heroics of 2002, the age profile of the squad and whether there is an overreliance on Son Heung-min, plus we also hear from Korean journalist Steve Han to get his thoughts on the squad,...

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is almost upon us, and that means it is time for our team-by-team previews of all nine AFC nations taking part across the United States, Canada and Mexico. We start with Part 1, featuring Korea Republic, Qatar and Australia, looking at all the big talking points and questions for each nation as they prepare for kick-off. Could Son Heung-min be an impact sub this World Cup?...

Football chooses us. We chase its highs. And one day… the game ends. Host Ryan Walters sits with players seconds from a World Cup Final as their careers flash before their eyes. Matches, milestones, moments, mistakes, people. This is football in full life, in full vision. This is Tunnel Vision . In this first-ever episode, Ryan sits down with Dejan Damjanovic, the Montenegrin striker who became a...

On our final show before the FIFA World Cup, we look back on the Final Draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and discuss the standout narratives to emerge. We also preview the AFC Champions League Two Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka, and look back on a dramatic night in both the AFC Challenge League and Shopee Cup. Finally, on the brink of more success in the J. League, we discuss whether Kashima...

All eyes are on Jeddah this week for the final of this year's AFC Champions League Elite between hometown club, Al Ahli, and Japan's Machida Zelvia. We are joined by Arab News reported, Mohammed Fayad, to preview another huge final and discuss whether this is Al Ahli's title to lose, what makes Machida Zelvia dangerous, Machida's controversial coach and style. Plus we discuss the ACL Two and Chall...

In this special collaboration, The Asian Game teamed up with FairPoint Football to speak with Socceroos and DC United defender Kye Rowles, one of the contenders to lead Australia's backline at the FIFA World Cup this year. Rowles spoke candidly to FairPoint's very own Steve Han and Junu Lee and shared his experiences in MLS since arriving last year, and spoke about embracing the role of an underdo...

What is noticeable about the make up of the teams to make the final eight (or final 12 as it is until the West Zone completes their postponed Round of 16) is the inclusion of JDT from Malaysia and Buriram United from Thailand. This isn't the first time the two Southeast Asian giants have made the knockout rounds of the continental competition, but it is the first time they've made it this far sinc...

Amid the ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran, plenty has been said about Iran's participation at this year's FIFA World Cup, where they are scheduled to play all three group stage mat the United States while in active war with the host nation. But will Iran actually withdraw? We discuss that, plus more on the situation, on this week's The Asian Game Podcast. Be sure to follow Th...

AFC dropped a bomb last week with the announcement that it was abandoning the bidding process for the 2031 & 2035 AFC Asian Cups. This came as a result of FIFA requesting, and AFC approving, a change of the tournament dates to even-numbered years as a result of an upcoming change to the international match calendar. So what impact will the move have on Asian football? We discuss all of the implica...

Iraq have arrived in Mexico ahead of the FIFA Playoff Tournament to decide the final spots for this year's FIFA World Cup, with the Lions of Mesopotamia to face either Suriname or Bolivia in Monterrey. But with the ongoing war in the Gulf throwing their preparations into chaos, just how much will it destabilise their preparations? And how is Graham Arnold, who himself was stuck in Dubai, feeling a...

On the back of an historic AFC Women's Asian Cup in Japan, that saw record attendance and interest from across the continent, on this week's The Asian Game Podcast we discussed what we learned from this year's tournament. Can Japan win the Women's World Cup? Is the historic growth and record interest sustainable? How competitive are Asian teams in the global landscape? Be sure to follow The Asian...

The Asian Game Podcast returns for a bumper episode with so much to discuss from the world of Asian football. We look back at the AFC Women's Asian Cup and discuss what we learned about Asia's fortunes ahead of next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. We also look ahead to Iraq's playoff against either Suriname or Bolivia and ask how much their hopes will be hampered by their disrupted preparation, whi...

Icelandic international Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir has played for some of the biggest clubs in women's football, from VfL Wolfsburg, Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus. Now, she finds herself on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia with the ambitious Al Qadsiah. In an open and revealing interview for The Asian Game Podcast, she discusses her initial hesitance to the Saudi offer, her new life in the Kingdom...

Goalscoring hero, Maika Hamano, spoke to The Asian Game at Stadium Australia, reflecting on her title-winning goal, the impact of Nils Nielsen, their ambition to win next year's Women's World Cup and playing alongside legendary defender Saki Kumagai. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X:  https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG:  https://instagram.com/theasiangame Faceb...

Enegmatic Japan coach, Nils Nielsen, spoke to The Asian Game in the immediate aftermath of Japan's 1-0 triumph over Australia at Stadium Australia, declaring his side still need to improve to challenge for silverware at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. He also spoke about the Final itself, and how they looked to counter Australia's strengths, what Japan can learn from Australia and the incredib...

Fresh from winning the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, JFA president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto spoke with reporters about Japan's triumph, the 'easy' decision to appoint Nils Nielsen and Japan's ambition to host the 2039 FIFA Women's World Cup. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X:  https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG:  https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook:  https://fac...

On a joyous night for Japanese football, the Nadeshiko have cemented their place at the summit of Asian football with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan. Paul Williams was in Sydney for the history making final, bringing you all the colour and atmosphere before the game, while also speaking with players and officials from both sides after the game including: Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, JFA President Nils Ni...

Gina and Ani are back to review the action from the semi-finals as host nation Australia and Japan win through to set up a dream final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday night. They also discuss the success of the Philippines and DPR Korea to qualify for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X:  https://x.com/GinaBagnulo3   Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG:  https:/...

Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair are back to take you through all the action from Matchday Three as Australia slip up against Korea Republic to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against DPR Korea. Meanwhile, we are joined by Iranian football journalist Erfan Hoseiny to discuss the ongoing humanitarian situation with the Iran women's national team. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X:  https://x.com/GinaBagnu...

Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair are back to look back on the opening round of matches from the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Australia's narrow win over the Philippines, Iran's resilience in the face of adversity, India's heartbreak against Vietnam and DPR Korea's powerhouse display against Uzbekistan. They discuss all of that plus much more. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X:  https://x.com/GinaBagnulo3   Fol...

Gina and Ani are joined by pioneering former Iran U19 manager, Katayoun Khosrowyar, to discuss her journey in Iran and the continuous struggle for women's football in Iran. She shares her observations on the players she coached and what she expects from the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X:  https://x.com/GinaBagnulo3   Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/...