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No Asian team managed to go far this World Cup (again). What's holding them back?

No Asian team managed to go far this World Cup (again). What's holding them back?
NPR News Thursday 16 July 2026, 09:00 UTC By Juliana Kim 1 min read
Key Points

For the sixth World Cup in a row, no team from the Asian Football Confederation made it past the first knockout round, winning only three games out of 29. Asian teams are competitive — up to a point.(Image credit: Luke Hales)

For the sixth World Cup in a row, no team from the Asian Football Confederation made it past the first knockout round, winning only three games out of 29. Asian teams are competitive — up to a point.

(Image credit: Luke Hales)

Asian (ORG) this World Cup (EVENT) World Cup (EVENT) the Asian Football Confederation (ORG) Luke Hales (PERSON)
Originally published by NPR News Read original →

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