John Duerden

South Korea’s long association with the Premier League, built by Park Ji-sung and sustained by Son Heung-min, may end this season after Hwang Hee-chan’s injury and the likely loan moves of several younger Korean players. South Korea’s decline is contrasted with Japan’s growing presence, including established players such as Kaoru Mitoma and new arrivals Hidemasa Morita and Daizen Maeda. The contrast follows a disastrous World Cup and institutional crisis for South Korean football, while Japan is portrayed as benefiting from a stronger long-term development philosophy and increasing success in England. The change is also affecting television audiences and fan interest in South Korea, which were heavily driven by individual star players.

Matthias Jaissle is set to leave Al-Ahli for Newcastle United after turning an initially underachieving Saudi club into a major Asian force. Despite early pressure and competition from more established coaches, he retained fan support, won successive AFC Champions League titles and oversaw a substantial improvement in domestic results, aided by players including Ivan Toney and Galeno. His shared ownership link between Al-Ahli and Newcastle eases the transition, but taking Newcastle toward the Premier League’s top four will represent a tougher challenge.

FIFA’s proposal to raise more than $10bn for distribution among its 211 member associations could improve football infrastructure in poorer countries, but past experience shows that extra funding does not guarantee development. The article highlights weak auditing and oversight, with only about one-fifth of federations reportedly submitting audited accounts, alongside alleged or proven misuse of funds in Nigeria, Congo-Brazzaville, Nepal, India and Bangladesh. FIFA’s plans have drawn criticism from UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC, while the evidence suggests that stronger transparency and monitoring are needed before increased funding can deliver meaningful investment.

India’s football community hopes strong interest in the World Cup can revive the domestic game as the Indian Super League prepares to return after a delayed and truncated previous season. The 14 clubs will now control commercial, marketing, broadcast and sponsorship matters, while the All India Football Federation retains governance responsibilities. Club executives believe a stable calendar, a reliable broadcaster, stronger fan experiences and greater investment in youth and domestic players can rebuild trust and improve India’s competitiveness in Asian football. The longer-term ambition is to turn periodic World Cup enthusiasm into sustained support for local clubs and eventually help India qualify for the tournament.

Japan’s fifth consecutive World Cup knockout-stage elimination highlights a recurring lack of belief and risk-taking against elite opponents. John Duerden argues that Ange Postecoglou, who previously transformed Yokohama F. Marinos and won the Asian Cup with Australia, would be an ideal successor to Hajime Moriyasu because of his familiarity with Japanese football and his aggressive, front-foot mentality. The proposed challenge would extend beyond dominating Asia to establishing Japan among the world’s football elite.

Japan’s narrow defeat by Brazil highlighted the energy and quality produced by its long-term, patient football-development model, but Asia’s overall World Cup campaign was poor. Seven of nine Asian teams exited in the group stage, with Iran’s disrupted preparations and the inexperience of Jordan, Uzbekistan and Iraq offering mitigating circumstances. Saudi Arabia and Qatar were criticized for domestic-focused squads and weak planning, while South Korea were judged especially disappointing. The Asian Football Confederation was also blamed for competition and qualification policies that favor wealthier nations. The upcoming Asian Cup offers an opportunity for Asian football to adopt Japan’s long-term approach.

South Korea must avoid defeat against South Africa to stay alive in the 2026 World Cup after beating Czechia and losing narrowly to Mexico. Son Heung-min has struggled in a central role and was substituted in both matches, prompting debate over whether Oh Hyeon-gyu should start alongside him or replace him. The team has also been distracted by leaked remarks mocking Son’s military-service exemption and by a Mexican military drone shooting down a drone near a training session. A win would restore confidence and secure progress, while a draw should be enough for second place but could leave the team’s uncertain mood intact.

Jordan and Uzbekistan are preparing for their first World Cup appearances with strong public enthusiasm and ambitions beyond simply participating. Jordan, led by Musa Al-Taamari and coached by Jamal Sellami, will rely on organization, team spirit and counterattacking despite injuries and recent friendly defeats. Uzbekistan, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, possess European-based talent including Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev and have shown resilience against strong opposition. Both teams view the tournament as an opportunity to challenge established powers and demonstrate the progress of Asian football.

Saudi Arabia enter the 2026 World Cup after a late coaching change, with Hervé Renard replaced by Georgios Donis shortly before the tournament. The team qualified narrowly, has struggled to score and keep clean sheets, and may prioritize defensive organization in Group H against Uruguay, Spain and Cape Verde. Salem Al-Dawsari remains the principal attacking threat, while Musab Al-Juwayr and Firas Al-Buraikan are identified as players capable of making an impact. The tournament also forms part of longer-term preparations for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup.

Qatar qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a difficult campaign and disrupted preparations, including cancelled friendlies linked to the US-Iran war. Coach Julen Lopetegui is expected to use a cautious 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity, counterattacks and set pieces against Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Defensive inconsistency remains a major concern, while Akram Afif is the key attacking threat and Mohamed al-Mannai the emerging player to watch. Boualem Khoukhi provides veteran leadership. Unlike in 2022, Qatar will not face the same burden of hosting the tournament, although limited fan numbers and regional tensions may affect the atmosphere.

New Zealand's 15 June 2026 World Cup opener against Iran in Los Angeles has been clouded by geopolitical tensions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Although FIFA rejected Iran's request to move the match and the fixture is expected to proceed, protests, player dissent and the possibility of further disruption remain. Iran has endured a pause in domestic football, limited match preparation and squad controversy surrounding Sardar Azmoun, while New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley continues to prepare for Iran as scheduled. Tactical assessments suggest New Zealand could exploit Iran's lack of competitive action with pressing and intensity, despite Iran's physical, direct style and threat from counterattacks and set pieces.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr secure its first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 with a late double against Damac, recovering from criticism after the club’s AFC Champions League Two final defeat by Gamba Osaka. His performances, declining work rate and influence over team selection have raised concerns about whether he can adapt to a supporting role for Portugal at the World Cup. João Félix was named Al-Nassr’s player of the season, suggesting Ronaldo may need to share prominence and set-piece duties with his younger compatriot.

Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has been omitted from the country’s preliminary 2026 World Cup squad despite his strong international record, prompting widespread speculation that his criticism of the Iranian regime and recent social-media activity influenced the decision. Azmoun publicly supported women protesting after Mahsa Amini’s death and later faced condemnation from the Revolutionary Guards after posting a photograph with Dubai’s ruler during Iran’s conflict with the US and Israel. Coach Amir Ghalenoei insists the omission was based on technical considerations, including Azmoun’s injuries and inconsistent form, but an Iranian vice-president has called for his reinstatement. Iran is also dealing with uncertainty over visas and its World Cup training base.

FIFA had yet to secure television agreements in India and China one month before the 2026 World Cup, despite those markets representing more than a third of the global population. In India, the leading JioStar bid was reportedly $20m against a reduced asking price of $35m, while broadcasters face late match times, weak football-market competition, currency depreciation and the absence of India from the tournament. In China, CCTV’s reported $60m-$80m budget was far below FIFA’s reduced demand of $120m-$150m, with time-zone difficulties and limited interest in the national team adding pressure. The delayed deals risk undermining the value of FIFA’s rights strategy, although failing to reach agreements in two major markets is also difficult to sustain.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are five points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League with three matches remaining, although Al-Hilal have a game in hand and an upcoming clash could decide the title. Rivals Al-Ahli have accused referees and authorities of favoring Ronaldo’s club, claims that led to fines for Ivan Toney and Galeno. Al-Nassr’s prospects have improved under Jorge Jesus, whose tactical organization has brought greater cohesion to a squad featuring Ronaldo, João Félix, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman. Despite a recent loss to Al-Qadsiah ending a 20-game winning run, a league title would be Ronaldo’s first major trophy since joining the club and would also suit Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions. Changes in ownership, including Kingdom Holding Company’s acquisition of 70% of Al-Hilal from the Public Investment Fund, add to the wider debate over the country’s evolving sports strategy.

Al-Ahli defeated Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time to win the AFC Champions League Elite for a second consecutive year, despite Zakaria Hawsawi’s red card. The final highlighted the tournament’s contrasting financial and sporting models: Al-Ahli relied on a star-studded squad backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, while Machida reached the final with a less expensive, direct and physical approach. The article argues that holding the knockout stages from the quarter-finals onward in Jeddah gives Saudi clubs an unfair home advantage, produces poor attendances at neutral fixtures and undermines the competition’s integrity. It also criticizes the limited participation of AFC member nations, the disjointed group-stage format and disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East.

John Aloisi has made an impressive start as Chengdu Rongcheng coach, leading the Chinese Super League after eight matches with 23 goals and only two points dropped. His fluid 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 systems, attacking forwards and improved player performances have turned initially skeptical supporters into enthusiastic believers, prompting comparisons with Ange Postecoglou. Chengdu’s 4-0 win over Zhejiang, coached by Aloisi’s brother Ross, underlined its strength, while points deductions imposed on several clubs have improved its title prospects. A major test awaits against Shanghai Shenhua, but the club is now viewed as a genuine championship contender.

Arsenal supporters in Thailand, France, the United States and Nigeria describe the intense anxiety and anticipation surrounding the club’s Premier League title challenge. They see Sunday’s match against Manchester City as a decisive moment after Arsenal’s defeat by Bournemouth and a run of unconvincing performances. While some fans criticise the team’s cautious style, fatigue and lack of ambition, others prioritise results and remain confident Arsenal can win or draw against City. A league title would end a 22-year wait, expand the club’s global following and trigger an extraordinary celebration, while failure could bring major disappointment and renewed doubts about the team and Mikel Arteta.

Iraq have qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 21-game campaign, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the final intercontinental playoff in Monterrey. Aymen Hussein scored the decisive goal, completing a remarkable personal and national journey shaped by war and displacement. The qualification marks Iraq's return to the tournament for the first time since 1986. Graham Arnold's coaching, the expanded Asian allocation, home matches in Basra and a more experienced squad all contributed to the achievement. Iraq will open Group I against Norway before facing France and Senegal.

Japan arrive at Wembley after a comfortable win over Scotland and a 54-goal World Cup qualifying campaign, seeking a first victory over England and another test of their growing strength against elite opposition. Hajime Moriyasu’s team are targeting a first World Cup quarter-final, having moved beyond the expectation that reaching the knockout stage is sufficient. Injuries to Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo and Takehiro Tomiyasu are concerns, but Japan’s depth was evident against Scotland, and confidence has been boosted by recent victories over Brazil and strong results against European teams.

Curaçao face Australia in Melbourne as both teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The match is especially significant for Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, after travel disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East. Assistant coach Roel Coumans draws on his experience with Australia at the 2018 World Cup, noting the challenges of late coaching changes and squad selection. Curaçao will enter a group with Germany, Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire, but their Dutch-based players, team unity and underdog status have generated confidence and international goodwill.