The path to the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Asian teams was finalized in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road To 26. The continent will have a total of 18 teams competing for eight confirmed berths at the World Cup, with the possibility of an additional spot through a playoff. Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia, and Palestine will be making their debut at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
In Group A, top seeds Islamic Republic of Iran will face tough competition from reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyz Republic, and DPR Korea. Iran, aiming for their sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, will have to work hard to secure their spot in the tournament. Group B will see Korea Republic as the favorites, with Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait also vying for the two automatic spots to the Finals. Korea Republic has made 10 consecutive appearances in the World Cup since 1986.
Group C will be led by Japan, who are aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the eighth consecutive time. They will face tough competition from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR, and Indonesia. The top two finishers from each group will secure their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the third and fourth-placed teams from each group will progress to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff. The Playoff will be contested in two groups, with the winners qualifying for the global showpiece.
The two second-placed finishers from the Playoff will then face off in a home and away tie to earn the right to reach the Intercontinental Playoff and compete for the final available berth at the World Cup. The AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 is set to kick off on September 5, with the final round of matches scheduled for June 10, 2025. The draw result has placed teams in three groups: Group A – IR Iran, Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyz Republic, DPR Korea; Group B – Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait; Group C – Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR, Indonesia.
Overall, the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 is set to be an exciting and competitive journey for Asian teams as they strive to secure their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With familiar favorites like Korea Republic and Japan alongside newcomers like Kyrgyz Republic and Indonesia, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense competition on the road to the World Cup. Stay tuned for updates and results as the teams battle it out for a chance to represent Asia on the global stage in 2026.
