The FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers are set to kick off, with 18 nations competing for six available berths in the football showpiece. The teams are divided into three groups, with the winners and runners-up from each group securing automatic qualification. The teams that finish third and fourth will advance to the fourth round, where two more spots will be up for grabs. The finalists from the fourth round will then compete to determine Asia’s representative at the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 nations for the first time, to be staged in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
In Group A, Iran and Qatar are the favorites to earn direct qualification, with challenges from Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and North Korea. The newcomers, Kyrgyzstan, are aiming to make history by causing more surprises in the group. Their coach, Maksim Lisitsyn, expressed excitement for the upcoming round and stated that they will target points in each game despite being among the fancied teams. The team is focused on development and aims to perform well against Asia’s top teams.
Group B sees South Korea eyeing their 11th World Cup appearance, with Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait also vying for qualification. The new format of the third round has increased Iraq’s chances of returning to the global stage since their debut in 1986. Palestine is hopeful to secure their maiden World Cup spot after making history at the Asian Cup earlier this year. The head coach, Makram Daboub, is focused on continuing their success from the previous rounds.
Group C is considered the ‘Group of Death’, with Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia grouped together for the third time. They will be joined by Bahrain, China, and Indonesia, making it an exciting group to watch. The Asian heavyweights will face tough competition in this group, with only the top two finishers guaranteed a place in the World Cup. Each team will be aiming to perform at their best to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The Asian Qualifiers promise exciting clashes and tough competition as teams battle it out for a chance to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the new format and increased number of nations participating, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans can expect thrilling matches and impressive performances from some of Asia’s top footballing nations. As the teams prepare for the upcoming matches, anticipation is high for the footballing action that will unfold in the coming months.
