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 Stadium for us reporting on another memorable night for Saudi football. 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 

Sudesh Baniya is LIVE at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha after the UAE kept their FIFA World Cup dream alive with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Oman, taking them to within 90 minutes of their first FIFA World Cup since 1990. We also hear from UAE stars Nicolás Giménez and Caio Canedo as they reflect on an enormous victory. Meanwhile, Michael Church is at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah where Iraq toiled to a 1-0 win over Indonesia to set up a winner-takes-all clash with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. For Indonesia, however, their FIFA World Cup dream is over and we hear from a crestfallen Calvin Verdonk. 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 opening night of the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers, Sudesh Baniya is at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha reporting on the 0-0 draw between Qatar and Oman that leaves both teams still in contention heading into their final matches. We also hear from Oman coach Carlos Queiroz to get his reaction. Meanwhile, Michael Church is in Jeddah where Saudi Arabia and Indonesia played out a five-goal thriller, with the home side taking the three points 3-2 thanks to a brace from Feras Al-Buraikan. We also get reaction from Kevin Diks, Jay Idzes and Indonesian coach, Patrick Kluivert. 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 

So the time has come, almost two years exactly after qualifying started, and after 217 matches and 613 goals, played in front of almost 5 million fans, just six teams remain on the Road to 2026. Just two will advance to next year's FIFA World Cup, to decided over the next week with the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers in both Jeddah and Doha. We are joined by Wael Jabir, Sudesh Baniya and Firzie Idris to analyse and dissect the six teams and two groups, and answer all the big questions. PLUS... we hear from Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui on his side's preparedness ahead of the crunch qualifiers.

It's that time of the year again, with the AFC Champions League Elite returning for another season of thrilling action. We cast an eye over all the action and answer the burning questions ahead of kickoff: Is the new format a winner? Can anyone stop Saudi dominance? Will Japan's trio of teams provide the biggest challenge? What's behind Korea's dwindling fortunes? SE Asia's burgeoning rivalry between Buriram Utd and JDT Can Melbourne City restore pride for Australian clubs? PLUS... we speak with Chengdu Rongcheng's Tim Chow to discuss their continental ambitions and their push for a maiden Chinese Super League title.

In the first of a new monthly podcast, hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair take you through the latest news from the world of Asian women's football. On this month's show they look back on the preliminary rounds of the AFC Women's Champions League, and discuss the latest transfer news involving a couple of emerging Asian stars. 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 

We are joined by former Australian teen prodigy, and now CEO of Brisbane Roar, Kaz Patafta, for an extensive, in-depth conversation. Across almost one hour, we discuss the state of the A-League, his mission to re-build Brisbane Roar into an Australian powerhouse, engaging with Southeast Asia, working with the Bakrie Group and his own journey in Laos. 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's one of the biggest signings in the history of MLS, and it is finally official - Son Heung-min has signed for LAFC. Arguably the greatest Korean player of all time, in the city with the largest Korean population outside Korea - it is a match made in heaven. We are joined by Korean journalist, and LA native, Steve Han, to dissect the move and answer all the big questions. Is it a surprise 12 months out from the FIFA World Cup? What does this mean for the city and people of LA? What is his legacy at Tottenham? Where does he fit in this LAFC side? 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 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. 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   

The final qualifying team has been confirmed, with Iran winning Group A, completing the set of 12 teams to participate in next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia. Hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair dissect all the qualifying groups and run the rule over the teams that will travel to Australia next year and how they might fare. 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 

We (belatedly) celebrate our 250th episode and toot our own horns, before getting into more important matters by discussing the draw for the Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers. Is it fair? Which group is toughest? Which teams have the best chance? We discuss all of that and more, plus get some reaction from Qatar from Doha News reporter Sudesh Baniya. We also discuss reports of Joachim Low coaching Uzbekistan, the purpose of the EAFF-E1 Championships, Anderson Lopes' move to Lion City Sailors and the mess surrounding the Indian Super League. 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 qualifying India for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup - the first time on merit in over two decades - Indian women's national team coach Crispin Chettri joins us on From Dreams to Goals. The 50-year-old talks us through the qualification campaign, what this moment can do for women's football in India and even his dreams of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World 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   

As the first edition of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup comes to a close, we are joined by Gabe Tan from ESPN Asia and Saudi-based content creator, Mohammed Fayad, to look back on the performance of Asia's teams. What does it mean for Saudi football? What did we learn about Asian club football? How can teams improve for next time? Plus, we look at AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifying, discuss Saudi Arabia's performances at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and talk about Kota Takai's move to Tottenham. 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 

We have our first official qualifier for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, and it's a nation few would have expected - Bangladesh. Hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair discuss their historic qualification, plus take a look back on all of the other action from this week's matches and look ahead to the final round of matches that will determine which other nations will join Bangladesh in Australia next year. 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 

Hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair take a look at the state of play after the first two matchdays of qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Which teams have impressed? Who still has work to do? And what might the rest of qualifying have in store? We answer those questions plus many more as we look to decide the final eight teams to qualify for next year's showpiece event. 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