Beijing time (CEST) June 28 – AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa congratulated the Japanese and Australian national teams and stated that member associations must now transform their potential into sustained and continuous progress.

AFC Official Statement

By qualifying for the expanded 48-team group stage, the two teams' qualification ensured that the AFC matched its best record of two teams from the confederation reaching the knockout round, equalling the milestone set at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Sheikh Salman said: "We congratulate the players and coaching staff of Japan and Australia on successfully qualifying in a highly competitive environment. Their determination earned them a place in the next round, and we wish them all the best as they prepare to face some of the world's top opponents."

"While we celebrate the qualification of two teams, we must also be realistic about the overall results. The qualification of two teams underscores the intensity of global competition. It shows that while our teams are progressing and demonstrating strong fighting spirit, the gap to top teams remains significant, and we must continue working hard to narrow that difference."

Both nations have made history, each achieving extraordinary individual accomplishments. Japan qualified for the knockout round for the fifth time, an unprecedented achievement, following their 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match, setting the record for the largest margin of victory by an Asian team in FIFA World Cup history. Australia, meanwhile, qualified for the knockout round for the third time, reaching the knockout stage in consecutive FIFA World Cups for the first time in its history.

While celebrating this historic achievement, the AFC President also praised other Asian finalists who did not qualify for the Round of 32 but left their mark on the tournament.

Iran remained undefeated in Group G with a remarkable performance; Uzbekistan and Jordan, first-time participants, scored their first FIFA World Cup goals. Meanwhile, Qatar achieved a milestone with their first point; South Korea and Saudi Arabia demonstrated strong fighting spirit in their respective groups; and Iraq made history by scoring a goal in the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 40 years.

Reflecting on the development journey of nations that did not qualify, the AFC President added: "We must also commend Iraq, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Uzbekistan."

"Their excellent performances will undoubtedly lay the foundation for continuous improvement of football in their respective countries and inspire future generations to participate more actively in the competition. While there is still room for improvement, these remarkable moments have built the competitive foundation necessary to enable our Asian teams to become global powerhouses."

"Reaching the FIFA World Cup finals is only the first step. Every match, every historic goal, every hard-earned point is crucial elite preparation. Our member associations must now focus on how to transform this potential into sustained and continuous progress on the global stage." (End of statement)

At 1 a.m. Beijing time (CEST) on June 30, Japan will face Brazil in the Round of 16. At 2 a.m. Beijing time (CEST) on July 4, Australia will face Egypt in the Round of 32.

Traduzido por IA.

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