The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for Asia’s top teams, with some mouthwatering matchups revealed in the third round draw.
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Iran, Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyz Republic, DPR Korea |
| B | Korea Republic, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait |
| C | Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR, Indonesia |
Group of Death?
Group C takes centre stage, pitting powerhouses Australia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia against each other. This isn’t the first time these teams have battled for World Cup spots, making for a thrilling group to watch.
Newcomers Vie for Glory
Elsewhere, excitement builds as nations like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Jordan, Oman, and Palestine chase their first-ever World Cup appearances.
Familiar Faces, Fierce Battles
Group B features Korea Republic aiming for their 11th consecutive World Cup, while Iraq and Kuwait look to return to the global stage after long absences. This group promises intense competition with five West Asian rivals.
How it Works
The top two teams from each group will secure direct qualification for the World Cup. The teams finishing third and fourth will enter a fourth round to compete for two additional spots. Additionally, one team can qualify for the inter-confederation playoff round, potentially bringing the total number of teams from Asia to nine, with at least eight teams guaranteed to qualify.
Match Schedule
Get ready for electrifying matches! The third round kicks off in September 2024 and runs through June 2025, with teams battling it out in a home-and-away format.
