The Asian Game

Football chooses us. We chase the 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 episode, Ryan sits down with Filip Nguyen, the Czech-born goalkeeper who spent nine years chasing the chance to represent Vietnam. From European football to becoming an ASEAN champion, Filip reflects on the long road to finally wearing the national team shirt and what it meant for both him and his family.   They dive into:

Australia's campaign at this FIFA World Cup, and by extension that of Asia's, has come to an end after going down on penalties to Egypt in Dallas. Did Australia make the most of their opportunity? Where did they fall short? And what positives are there to take for the future? Michael Church joins us from Dallas to answer those questions, plus we discuss the shock news that Al Nassr have appointed former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast

Japan's campaign has ended at the Round of 32 after a narrow 2-1 loss to Brazil despite taking a first half lead through Kaishu Sano. Where did it go wrong in the second half? Is Moriyasu the right man to take this team forward and, with a premature exit, how do we assess their campaign? Joining us to answer those questions are ESPN's Gabe Tan from Houston, and Michael Church in Dallas. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast

After the conclusion of the marathon group stage, only two of Asia's nine teams remain, with Japan and Australia the only nations progressing to the Round of 32. So how do we grade Asia's performance at this World Cup? We're joined by Bassil Mikdadi to run through all nine teams and give them a grading based on their group stage performance? Who gets an A? Which nations get an F? 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

There was heartbreak for Iran in Seattle, with a stoppage time winner being overruled by a marginal offside call; a result that would have secured them second place in the group and automatic progression to the knockout rounds. Hope still exists, however, of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. There is no hope for Saudi Arabia and Iraq, meanwhile, who both departed the tournament with meek performances in their final group stage matches. We're joined by the BBC's Mani Djazmi and Wael Jabir to look at a day of mixed fortunes for Asia. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

After a day of double disappointment on Wednesday, Japan and Australia reversed Asia's fortunes with both nations collecting the draw required to see them safely through in second place in Group F and D respectively. We cross to Dallas to hear from Michael Church and ESPN's Gabe Tan to get their reaction to Japan's performance, while Scott McIntyre joins us from Vancouver to discuss Australia's goalless draw with Paraguay. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

It was a day of huge disappointment, as one of Asia's heavyweights, Korea Republic, slipped up in their final group stage fixture to miss out on automatic progression to the knockout rounds in a performance that posed many questions as to the credentials of this side. In Seattle, meanwhile, Qatar showed fight but were ultimately defeated by Bosnia & Herzegovina to end their campaign. We're joined by ESPN's Gabe Tan from Monterrey and Mohamed El Ghawarby from Doha to dissect and analyse the two results. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Despite the hope offered by Jordan, who took the lead against Algeria, it's been a humbling 24 hours for Asian teams as all of Iraq, Jordan and Uzbekistan tasted defeat. While Iraq and Uzbekistan came up against teams fancied to go all the way in the form of France and Portugal respectively, Jordan fancied their chances against fellow Arab nation Algeria, and for a period it looked like an historic win was on the cards before it all fell apart late. We're joined by Martin Lowe and Ravshan Nikimbaev to discuss and analyse all three results. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Football chooses us. We chase the highs. And one day… the game ends.   Host Ryan Walters sits with players in the ultimate what-if scenario: 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 episode, Ryan sits down with Charyl Chappuis, the Swiss-Thai midfielder who built a career across two continents. A FIFA U17 World Cup winner with Switzerland, and 2014 AFF Championship hero with Thailand, he quickly became one of Thai football's most beloved figures.    Honest, warm, and quietly profound, this is the story of a man who gave everything to two countries and spent his life proving that belonging isn't about where you're from, it's about what you give.  

Iran and Saudi Arabia enter the final matchday with their destiny in their hands, but after two vastly differing performances. Saudi Arabia were humbled by a rampant Spanish outfit, and now need to regroup ahead of their final clash with Cape Verde. Iran, meanwhile, showed resilience in a backs-to-the-wall performance against Belgium, walking away with a point after a goalless stalemate. We're joined by Wael Jabir and Mohammed Fayad to discuss where it went wrong for Saudi Arabia and laud the performance of Iran and their goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Japan have registered their first win of this FIFA World Cup in emphatic style, with a history-making 4-0 win over Tunisia in Monterrey. Scoring four goals for the first time in a World Cup game, the margin was also the biggest winning margin of any Asian nation in the history of the World Cup. We're joined from Japan by journalists Sean Carroll and Ryo Nakagawara to break down the result and what it means for Japan going forward. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

In one of the most hotly anticipated clashes of the group stage given the build up to the game, Australia fell well short against a hot United States, who ran out 2-0 in front of a parochial home crowd in Seattle. But having dropped both goalscorers from the game against Turkiye, did Popovic get his selections and tactics correct? And what changes could we see as we look ahead to a crucial clash against Paraguay next week. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

After a positive start to their campaign against the Swiss, Qatar came back to earth with a thud after a humiliating 6-0 defeat at the hands of Canada. With two red cards that saw them finish the game with nine players, anything that could go wrong did go wrong. We cross to Scott McIntyre in Vancouver for his reaction, while we also speak with Steve Han in Guadalajara just after Korea Republic's narrow 1-0 loss against co-hosts Mexico to discuss where it was that the Koreans fell short. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

For a while after Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised, Uzbekistan teased another mammoth result for Asian football but it wasn't to be as they eventually succumbed 3-1 to Colombia in their FIFA World Cup debut. How did they fare? When did they come up short and who stood up the most? We discuss all of that, plus take a look at Asia's overall performance from the opening round. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

It had to end eventually, but finally Asia's undefeated streak at this FIFA World Cup has come to an end after Iraq and Jordan suffered defeats to Norway and Austria, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. We're joined by freelance journalist, and founder of Football Palestine, Bassil Mikdadi to digest and dissect both results and answer where it went wrong. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Asia remains undefeated at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Saudi Arabia and Iran both earned draws in their opening fixtures in North America. But the way in which they were achieved, and the context, is vastly different for both. After taking a first-half lead, Saudi Arabia conceded late against Uruguay to settle for a point. Meanwhile, Iran had to come from behind twice against a plucky New Zealand outfit in Los Angeles. We're joined by West Asian football expert Wael Jabir and Arab News reporter Mohammed Fayad to dissect both games. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Asia's unbeaten run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has continued after Japan twice came from behind against the Netherlands to draw 2-2 in Dallas. Goals from Keigo Nakamura and Daichi Kamada earned Japan a valuable point against the top-five ranked Dutch outfit. To dissect the result we're joined from Dallas by both Michael Church and ESPN Asia's Gabe Tan to look at what the result means, Japan's overall performance and injury concerns for Takefusa Kubo. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

Continuing Asia's superb start to this FIFA World Cup, Qatar created history by earning their first ever point at the FIFA World Cup with a 95th minute equaliser against Switzerland to set up their campaign in Group B. While that result started the day, Australia closed out the day in style with a stunning 2-0 win over Turkiye thanks to goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. We're joined by experts Bassil Mikdadi and Martin Lowe to dissect both results, plus we hear from Scott McIntyre on the ground in Vancouver after Australia's epic win. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

For Asian football, opening days don't come much better than this with Korea Republic registering a huge come-from-behind 2-1 victory ove Czechia to kickstart their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in the best possible style. Marking their first opening game win at a World Cup since 2010, the win sets Korea up nicely to progress from Group A. We're joined by Steve Han from Guadalajara and Scott McIntyre from Vancouver to dissect the game, as Steve and Scott debate the merits of Korea's performance overall. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

The final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also the final team in our World Cup preview series, and that is Iraq. Back on the global stage for the first time in 40 years, the Lions of Mesopotamia now have Australian Graham Arnold at the helm. How important will his World Cup experience be? Is this the moment for their exciting crop of young talent to shine? While Scott explains why Amir Al Ammari will be so important in midfield. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Another nation making their debut at this year's FIFA World Cup, Jordan are a nation that consistently flies underneath the radar, despite making the Final of both the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA Arab Cup in recent years. Why is that so? How much will they miss Yazan Al-Naimat? And how important is Mousa Al-Tamari? We answer those questions and much more. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

One of two debutant nations for Asia at this FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan has shed their bridesmaid tag and are ready to shine on the international stage. But with a controversial change of coach, is this team ready to perform under Fabio Cannavaro? And in a difficult group, just what is possible for the White Wolves? We answer all those questions with our resident Uzbek expert, Martin Lowe. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

In the third and final part of our FIFA World Cup previews, we cast our over over two of the debutant nations in Uzbekistan and Jordan, as well as Iraq who are making their return to football's global showpiece for the first time in 40 years. Is Uzbekistan ready for this moment? How big is the loss of Yazan Al Naimat? And, how important in Graham Arnold's experience for Qatar? We answer those questions plus much, much more. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

The most talked about national team heading into this year's FIFA World Cup, Iran's campaign has been clouded by the ongoing US-Israel war and the political situation surrounding the team. It's from that situation that star striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out, and we discuss the implications of that, as well as other key injuries, as well as the age profile of the team as we ask whether this is one step too far for this generation. Plus, we also get the thoughts of Hatam Shiralizadeh from Tasnim News Agency. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

Four years after shocking the world in Qatar, what does the FIFA World Cup 2026 have in store for the Green Falcons? Can they shock the world again? What will such a late change of coach do to their fortunes, and is this team, that scored only ten goals in qualifying, capable of finding the back of the net? We discuss all of that, plus get the thoughts of Arab News reporter Mohammed Fayad on Georgios Donis' squad. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 score the goals needed to win games of football? How big is the absence of Sardar Azmoun? How will the politcal climate impact Iran's performance? 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 appear at a World Cup since 2006? 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 all that, and more. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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, how best to utilise Son and get an update on the fitness of midfielder Hwang In-beom. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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? Is it Akram Afif or bust for Qatar? Is this Australia's most exciting generation? 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 legend 10,000 miles from home. A three-time K League 1 champion, AFC Champions League all-time top scorer, and K League Hall of Famer, Dejan built one of Asian football's greatest careers. They dive into his years at FC Seoul, the penalty miss that still haunts him, an unforgetable night at Wembley, the title season with "the best team with the worst coach," the transfer FC Seoul fans never forgave, and what it felt like hearing an entire stadium sing his name in a language he didn't grow up speaking.  Raw, funny, and brutally honest, this is the full story of a champion who always found a way to win.

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 Antlers' manager Toru Oniki gets the credit he deserves as one of the continent's leading coaches. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 Challenge League Finals. Finally, we unpack the decision by Saudi Arabia to sack Herve Renard on the eve of the FIFA World Cup, replacing him with former Greek international Georgios Donis. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 underdog as Australia international as the Socceroos prepare to face the US at the World Cup. Follow FairPoint Football on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fairpointfootball  Follow FairPoint Football on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7SGs3i6BN5TN6mY7UE3Jg  Subscribe to FairPoint Football's 'Korean Football Podcast': https://open.spotify.com/show/3v2MTuBF2oCesAbE6YAb9N?si=4b499b8ea0ad4f43&nd=1&dlsi=4e0329d0999e401f  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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 since the advent of the AFC Champions League Elite format last season, and they did so at the expense of clubs from Japan and Australia, not to mention the Korean clubs eliminated in the group stage. It represents a seismic shift in the landscape of Asian club football, but how it came about has people questioning whether this is actually for the betterment of Asian football. On this week's The Asian Game Podcast, we discuss the AFC's decision to scrap foreign player limits that have allowed JDT and Buriram to field almost exclusively foreign starting XIs and the impact it might have going forward. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 The Asian Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 implications on this week's The Asian Game Podcast. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 ahead of the sudden death showdown? We discussed all of that on this week's The Asian Game Podcast. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 Game on all our social media channels: X: https://twitter.com/TheAsianGame IG: https://instagram.com/theasiangame Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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, while we also discuss the situation with Iran and their participation in this year's FIFA World Cup in light of the ongoing war. To finish, we discuss the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite Finals and discuss whether the foreign player rules will forever change Asian football, as well as the bombshell announcement of the AFC shifting the dates of the AFC Asian 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 and how things really are for the players. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 incredible talent that is Maika Hamano. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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 Nielsen, Japan coach Joe Montemurro, Australia coach Maika Hamano, Japan Saki Kumagai, Japan Plus, we also talk about the growth of women's football in Saudi Arabia with Icelandic international Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir, who has spent the past 18 months with Al Qadsiah after a decorated career in Europe. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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://www.instagram.com/ginabagnulo  Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annie_rude_ 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

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/GinaBagnulo3  Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginabagnulo  Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annie_rude_ 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

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  Follow Gina Bagnulo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginabagnulo  Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annie_rude_ 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast   

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/ginabagnulo  Follow Anirudh Nair on IG: https://www.instagram.com/annie_rude_ 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast 

On the eve of Uzbekistan's first AFC Women's Asian Cup appearance since 2003, 33-year-old head coach Kotryna Kulbytė has Uzbekistan dreaming big. Speaking exclusively to The Asian Game from their recent camp in Turkiye, the Lithuanian discussed preparations for the tournament, the impact of qualification in Uzbekistan, as well as her own journey in coaching. 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://facebook.com/TheAsianGamePodcast