Introducing our latest edition to The Asian Game Podcast Network... From Dreams to Goals.

Following the journey of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, hosts Gina Bagnulo and Anirudh Nair will take you deep behind the headlines to explore the stories from nations aspiring to qualify for the tournament in Australia next year.

Each week From Dreams to Goals will focus on delving deep and telling the story of women's football in countries from Saudi Arabia to India, from Indonesia to Nepal and everywhere in between, talking to players, coaches and journalists to explore the unique story of each country as they drive forward on the road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026.

In this first episode we take a look at the eight qualifying groups and briefly discuss each nation and what we can expect from all 34 nations as they begin their journey on the road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026.

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

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In a special 'LIVE' edition of the podcast, Scott McIntyre is in South Korea at the Suwon World Cup Stadium as Korea look to cement their spot atop Group B in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

But a 1-1 draw last week with Oman has only intensified the spotlight on the team and coach Hong Myung-bo.

Follow Scott's journey through the game, as we get reaction after last week's 1-1 draw with Oman from star midfielder Hwang In-beom and Oman coach Rashid Jaber. Korean journalist Seo Bowon explains the state of the game in Korea.

As Korea were held to another frustrating 1-1 draw - their third in a row - we hear from two of Asia's biggest stars, Son Heung-min and Mousa Al-Tamari.

PLUS... we get reaction from the surprise loss of Urawa Reds in the AFC Women's Champions League from our women's football expert, Alex Bishop.

The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to an end as the AFC Asian Qualifiers reach the penultimate round with so much still to play for.

Herve Renard has swung the changes with Saudi Arabia, while Indonesia are preparing for their first foray under the guidance of Patrick Kluivert. Japan, Korea Republic and Iran can all officially seal their spot at the global showpiece, while a huge opportunity awaits Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Paul Williams is worried for Australia after naming a weakened squad.

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As the final rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite prepare to be hosted in Jeddah, we discuss with the centralised format is the best model for Asian football.

We also discuss this week's draw for the Quarter-Finals and which teams stand the best chance of going all the way? Are we set for a West Asian whitewash?

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With the final four set for the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two, we discuss whether Saudi and Japanese clubs are too strong for the second-tier continental competition.

We also discuss Lion City Sailors' remarkable triumph, whether Australian sides can make it back-to-back titles or if Al Taawoun are capable of going all the way.

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It's a massive week in Asian football with the draw for the AFC Champions League Elite Finals, to be held in Jeddah next month, that saw the final eight teams have their path to the final confirmed.

Over in the ACL Two, there was controversy after Sanfrecce Hiroshima had their first leg win voided after fielding an ineligible player, which saw Lion City Sailors progress through to the semi-finals.

But should Saudi Arabian and Japanese clubs even participate in ACL Two?

Meanwhile, the end of FIFA World Cup Qualification is in sight with all eyes particularly focused on the fascinating Group C battle between Australia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Bahrain and China for the final automatic qualifying spot.

We're joined by content creator Mohammed Fayad to discuss all of that and much more in a bumper episode of The Asian Game Podcast.

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The #ACLElite Round of 16 is here, and we’ve got a thrilling ASEAN Derby on our hands! Domestic powerhouses Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim face off in a two-legged battle for a spot in the Quarter-Finals and some massive regional bragging rights.

With their last meeting ending in a tense 0-0 draw (and a certain red card 👀), how will this high-stakes rematch play out?

Host Ryan Walters is joined by Ta Lao and Keesh Sundaresan to preview this epic clash!

• Thai League making waves—how big is this moment for the region?
• The significance of JDT’s rise—Malaysian football milestone or just JDT dominance?
• The Not-So-ASEAN ASEAN Derby—what does the lack of local talent mean for the region’s football growth?
• Tactical breakdown: JDT’s attacking firepower vs. Buriram’s balance
• Key players and ones to watch

On the eve of their historic quarter-final in the AFC Champions League Two, we are joined by Lion City Sailors' defender Bailey Wright.

The former Socceroos defender talks about becoming a father for the third time, life in his new home of Singapore and the aspiration of his club as they eye domestic and continental success.

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The big news of the week came with confirmation of a joint bid from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

With the tournament having never been hosted in Central Asia, there was much fascination and excitement at the prospect of Asia's showpiece event being taken to a new region.

So is Central Asia ready for such an event, and what would it do for football in the region?

We are joined by Uzbekistan Football Association's Muhammad Sodik to answer those questions and many more.

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As the AFC Champions League Elite prepares to enter the knockout rounds, and AFC Champions League Two prepares for a thrilling quarter final stage, we are joined by Emirati journalist Sultan Al-Ali for a full and frank discussion of the AFC's continental competitions.

Has the new League Stage format been a success? Should East & West merge from the beginning? Is Saudi and Japanese dominance a good or bad thing?

Meanwhile in ACL Two, is Shabab Al Ahli versus Sharjah the most anticipated match up of the quarter finals? Are Jeonbuk back? And how impressive have Lion City Sailors been?

Follow Sultan Al-Ali on X: https://x.com/Sul6anAlAli  Follow Sultan Al-Ali on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sul6analali_/ 

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