The road to the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup is gaining momentum, and Asia is already making its mark on football’s grandest stage. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this edition promises to be the most inclusive and diverse yet — and Asia is stepping up early.

Japan Sets the Benchmark for Asia

Japan was the first nation worldwide to book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring their dominance in Asian football. Unbeaten in their qualifying campaign with six wins and one draw, the Samurai Blue continue to be the standard-bearers for the continent.

Iran Continues Consistent Form

Iran soon followed Japan, securing their seventh overall World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive berth. The team remained undefeated in their group, showcasing the experience and tactical depth that has made them a fixture on the world stage.

Uzbekistan Makes Historic Debut

In one of the most emotional stories of the qualifiers so far, Uzbekistan qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. A gritty 0-0 draw against the UAE was enough for the Central Asian side to clinch a spot, sparking nationwide celebrations. Their rise highlights the growing strength of second-tier Asian nations on the global stage.

Asia’s Presence Grows in 2026 Format

Asia is guaranteed eight slots in the 2026 World Cup — a significant jump from previous editions — allowing the region to showcase more talent, depth, and emerging football powerhouses. With teams like South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Australia still in the hunt, the continent could make a serious impact come 2026.

Global Context

The tournament’s expanded format and host countries in North America mark a new era for international football. With 104 matches, 16 host cities, and an increased number of participants, it will be a celebration of global diversity — and Asian nations are ready to shine.

Countries Qualified So Far

• Asia: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan
• Oceania: New Zealand
• South America: Argentina

(Additional qualifiers from other confederations are ongoing.)

As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes are on Asia’s rising stars — ready to challenge the world and redefine the future of football.

In a powerful and emotional statement, Fouzul Hameed — veteran football advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the AC Milan Academy in Colombo — has delivered a scathing critique of Sri Lanka’s football administration, calling for immediate reforms to rescue the sport from what he describes as “chronic mismanagement and total collapse.

In a candid interview with Serendib News Source, Hameed, who also captained Zahira College’s football team during his school days, expressed frustration over the decline of Sri Lankan football — both at grassroots and national levels.

“This is not personal—it’s a wake-up call. Especially at the school level, if we build a proper system, we might finally see decent results,”

Hameed emphasized.

“No Future in Football” – A Harsh Reality

Hameed admitted that he now encourages players to focus on their education instead of football due to the lack of career prospects in the sport. He lamented that football has become an elite pastime hijacked by individuals with no understanding or passion for the game.

There’s no future in it right now—no careers, no livelihood,” he said. “Talent doesn’t matter anymore. Football is now controlled by politics and greed.

School Football in Crisis

His strongest words were reserved for the school football system, which he described as being in complete disarray.

Our school system is a disaster. There’s no coaching, no nurturing of talent, and no proper calendar. Finals are played under harsh conditions, without basic facilities like medical support or crowd control.

Comparing football to the glamor of school rugby and cricket, Hameed pointed out how football is marginalized despite having deep roots and mass appeal.

Look at the attention rugby and cricket get. Meanwhile, school football finals happen in near silence. It’s disrespectful.

A Broken Federation

Hameed criticized the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) for its failure in leadership and planning.

The wrong people are running the game. They have no playing background, no vision, no strategy — they’re in it for the titles and benefits.

Highlighting Zahira College’s legacy of producing nearly 100 national players, he said that even his alma mater may withdraw from tournaments due to poor planning and conditions.

Give us one tournament and a proper venue — we’ll show you how it’s done.

Call to Clean House

Calling on the Ministry of Sports and the President of Sri Lanka, Hameed demanded a complete overhaul of the football governing body.

Football can unite this country, but it needs leaders with values and professionalism. We need people who genuinely care about the sport.

He referenced Sri Lanka’s recent humiliating 8-0 loss to India and the issue of national players wearing fake jerseys due to budgetary issues, calling it “a national disgrace.”

Final Word

This is not just a game — it’s identity, dignity, and hope. But it’s being destroyed by incompetence. Enough is enough.

Fouzul Hameed’s passionate appeal reflects a broader concern shared by players, fans, and former athletes alike — that Sri Lankan football is long overdue for reform, and that real change must begin with honest leadership and grassroots investment

Colombo – The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has suspended six regional football leagues, citing administrative and financial irregularities. However, this decision has triggered widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the federation’s own accountability and governance standards.

The suspended leagues are Embilipitiya, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalkuda, Madhu Manthai West, and Point Pedro, with the FFSL alleging that they failed to submit annual reports, maintain financial accounts, or conduct football activities for over three years.

While FFSL claims these actions were taken to uphold its constitution, critics argue that FFSL itself has consistently failed to meet national governance standards, particularly those outlined in Sri Lanka’s Sports Act.

FFSL’s Own Compliance Under Fire

According to Section 32 of the Sports Act, national sports bodies like FFSL are legally required to submit their audited financial reports for the previous year on or before May 31st each year. However, the FFSL has reportedly failed to comply with this for multiple consecutive years — from 2022 to 2024 — placing it in clear violation of national law.

This failure gives the Ministry of Sports the legal authority to suspend FFSL’s registration, raising the possibility of a broader administrative intervention if reforms are not undertaken.

Lack of Support for Grassroots Development

Furthermore, FFSL’s lack of consistent funding and tournament organization for regional leagues has hampered football development:

• 2021: LKR 250,000 per league
• 2022: LKR 100,000
• 2023 & 2024: No funding
• 2025: Limited support to select leagues for a yet-to-be-played Y19 Youth League

Despite this, FFSL is now penalizing regional leagues for being inactive — an inactivity that many argue is the direct result of the federation’s own inaction and neglect.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The suspension of Jaffna Football League, which is currently under judicial review, has also raised eyebrows. With a court case pending, legal experts question how FFSL can justify suspending a league under such circumstances without violating due process.

Hypocrisy in Action?

Despite citing “no financial reports” as a reason for suspension, FFSL has not published its own audited reports for three straight years. Observers call this an act of institutional hypocrisy, and many stakeholders are calling for the federation to hold itself to the same standards it demands of others.

If Sri Lanka is to progress in regional and international football, governance reform must begin at the top — starting with FFSL’s transparency, accountability, and genuine grassroots development efforts.