November 21 – The AFC’s street to 2026 qualifying teams closed off 2024 with Japan, South Korea and Iran main their six-team teams forward of the ultimate 4 qualifying fixtures to be performed within the March and June worldwide home windows in 2026.
Solely the highest two groups in every group robotically qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. The six third- and fourth-placed groups qualify for an additional spherical of two teams of three groups every to be performed a centralised venue with the group winners qualifying for 2026.
AFC nations have been allotted eight direct qualifying slots and one inter-confederation play-off slot.
Japan with 5 wins and a draw are solely a win away from securing their eighth consecutive World Cup finals look. For the 5 groups under them there may be every little thing to play for with only one level separating Australia from the remainder.
Australia and Saudi Arabia, who each certified for 2018 and 2022, could be most individuals’s favourites within the battle for second spot, however after a sluggish begin, China have pressured themselves again into rivalry regardless of nonetheless sitting backside of the desk in purpose distinction.
In Group A, Iran and Uzbekistan have the sting over the UAE and Qatar. In March Iran open in opposition to the UAE with a win just about qualifying them for 2026. Their second sport within the March window is in opposition to Uzbekistan who open their 2025 marketing campaign in opposition to Kyrgyz Republic as they bid for a primary World Cup qualification.
South Korea lead Iraq in Group B having solely dropped factors to backside workforce Palestine – drawing twice. Asian Cup finalists Jordan are two factors behind the Iraqis who they face in what could possibly be a winner-takes-all decider within the closing sport of group play subsequent June.
Palestine could also be backside of the group however only one win may see them difficult for a spot within the subsequent spherical of qualifying. One thing that few soccer followers would deny them.
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