From Dreams to Goals: Reaction to the draw for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup
Release Date: 07/31/2025
TAG Podcast: 20 years of Australia in Asia
The Asian Game
The Asian Game Podcast returns for another year and we begin 2026 by looking back and reflecting on the first two decades of Australia's membership of the Asian Football Confederation. In a very frank discussion, we were joined by leading sports executive James Kitching to reflect on those 20 years, and whether Australia has fully capitalised on the opportunity afforded to it when it joined AFC on 1 January, 2005. We also look back at the landmark moment of those 20 years - Australia's hosting of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup - and share our personal reflections of that tournament and its impact. ...
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From Dreams to Goals: Looking back on 2025
The Asian Game
With 2025 drawing to a close, Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair sit down to look back over the biggest stories from 2025 in the world of women's football in Asia. From qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, to regional tournaments, the AFC Women's Champions League and player movement, we look at all the big stories and what might lay ahead in 2026. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X: Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG: Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: IG: Facebook:
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TAG Podcast: LIVE from Doha - Jordan hearts broken at FIFA Arab Cup
The Asian Game
Scott McIntyre and Sudesh Baniya are in Doha after Morocco defeated Jordan 3-2 after extra time to be crowned FIFA Arab Cup champions. Together they discuss Jordan's run to the final, and what it means ahead of their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026. They also discuss the fortunes of Asia's other World Cup-bound nations, and what can be read into their performances in Qatar. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: IG: Facebook:
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TAG Podcast: 2026 FIFA World Cup draw reaction
The Asian Game
Paul Williams and Michael Church analyse the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, looking at all nine Asian nations in contention and how friendly, or otherwise, the draw was and assess their chances of progression next year. Plus we hear reaction from Tony Popovic (Australia), Herve Renard (Saudi Arabia) and Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan). Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: IG: Facebook:
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From Dreams to Goals: DPR Korea reign supreme at underage level
The Asian Game
Gina and Anirudh are back for their monthly round-up of all things women's football in Asia, and they begin by looking at DPR Korea's success at the recent FIFA U17 Women's World Cup. We also discuss India's recent friendlies with Nepal, the sudden change in the FIFA Unites series involving the Afghan Women United, plus look ahead to the action at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 that is now just a matter of months away. Follow Gina Bagnulo on X: Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG: Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels:...
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TAG Podcast: FIFPro Asia tackling Anti-Asian Racism | Eiji Kawashima on suffering racism in Belgium
The Asian Game
Earlier this year FIFPRO Asia/Oceania released a new campaign aimed at targeting the scourge of Anti-Asian racism, shining a light on a subject rarely discussed. The general secretary of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, Shoko Tsuji, as well as former Japan national team goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima join us for a very special episode where we look at their own experiences with racism, why this report is important and what steps can be taken to stop the scourge of racism in the game. Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: IG: Facebook:
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TAG Podcast: 'We started 10-feet below ground!' Ben Harburg on becoming first foreign owner in Saudi Pro League
The Asian Game
Ben Harburg made history earlier this year when he became the first foreigner to take ownership of a Saudi Pro League side after his acquisition of little-known Al Kholood. Speaking to The Asian Game Podcast, the 41-year-old US investor talks openly and honestly about why he bought Al Kholood, the perilous state the club was in, his ambition for the future, while he also shares a frank assessment about the challenges facing the game in Saudi Arabia. Follow Ben Harburg on X: Be sure to follow The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: IG: Facebook:
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TAG Podcast: Unpacking Malaysia's naturalisation drama
The Asian Game
It's the issue that continues to dominate and attract headlines and we are joined by Malaysian journalist Haresh Deol to unpack that saga revolving around the eligibility - or otherwise - of the seven naturalised players for Malaysia after FIFA handed down heavy sanctions claiming that their documents were 'doctored'. Plus, we discuss Gianni Infantino's surprise announcement of a new FIFA ASEAN Cup, the appointment of Fabio Cannavaro as Uzbekistan's new coach, the AFC Player of the Year Awards, the dominance of Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite, and by comparison the struggles of Al...
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From Dreams to Goals: Afghan Refugee Team | Ashleigh Plumptre speaks on Saudi | Celebrating 99 years of women's football
The Asian Game
Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair are back to look back on the last month of women's football in Asia. After Ashleigh Plumptre's recent interview, they dissect the framing of the article and how western media covers women's football in Saudi Arabia. They discuss the upcoming FIFA Unites Series that will see the Afghan Refugee Team play their first official matches in the UAE in late October, while they finish by celebrating 99 years since the first official recorded match of women's football in East Asia and looking at the ticket sales for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Follow Gina Bagnulo on...
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TAG Podcast: Drama in Doha with James Montague + Saudi celebrations
The Asian Game
On a night of high drama in Doha and Jeddah, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have confirmed their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in contrasting fashion. Qatar secured their place with a 2-1 win over UAE in a violence-marred clash at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. Our roving reporter, Sudesh Baniya, was there and speaks with internationally renowned journalist James Montague about the match and the drama that unfolded in the stands with the UAE fans. Meanwhile, in Jeddah it was Saudi Arabia who advanced after a tight and tense 0-0 draw with Iraq. Michael Church was at the King Abdullah Sports City...
info_outlineThe official draw for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, to be held in Australia next year, was staged at the iconic Sydney Town Hall earlier this week.
We break down all three groups and take a look at the title threats, the dark horses and the debutants, and asses how they all might fare.
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