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AFC President Congratulates Japan and Australia on World Cup Progress, Emphasizes Long-Term Development

Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa lauded Japan and Australia's advancement to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, while also stressing the importance of sustainable growth within Asian football.

News Published 28 June 2026 2 min read FootballGames10 Desk

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The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has commended Japan and Australia for their strong performances, which have seen both nations secure spots in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The AFC President extended his congratulations to the two Asian representatives following their successful qualification for the Round of 32.

Long-Term Vision

Beyond celebrating immediate successes on the global stage, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa also highlighted the critical need for sustained development and strategic planning within Asian football. His remarks underscore a commitment to fostering growth that extends beyond individual tournament performances, aiming for a more robust and competitive future for the sport across the continent.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 represents a significant milestone for Asian football, with more teams from the confederation participating than ever before. This expanded format offers greater opportunities for nations to compete at the highest level, and the AFC is focused on leveraging this to drive overall improvement in standards, infrastructure, and player development.

Key facts

Detail	Information
Congratulated Nations	Japan, Australia
Tournament	FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage Reached	Round of 32
AFC President	Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa
Key Emphasis	Long-term growth and development of Asian football

Impact for Asian Football

The achievements of Japan and Australia serve as powerful motivators for other nations within the AFC. Their progress demonstrates the potential for Asian teams to compete effectively against the world’s best. The AFC President’s call for long-term growth emphasizes a strategic approach to ensure that such successes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of advancement for football across Asia. This includes investing in youth academies, enhancing coaching education, and improving competition structures at all levels.

The AFC’s vision extends to creating a more competitive landscape where multiple nations can consistently challenge for top honors. This requires a holistic strategy that addresses both on-field performance and off-field governance and administration. The focus on long-term growth aims to build a sustainable legacy for the sport, ensuring its continued popularity and development for future generations.

Source: Asian Football Confederation – https://www.the-afc.com/en/about_afc/about_afc/the_president.html/news/afc-president-hails-dynamic-duo-urges-focus-on-long-term-growth