The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearing its climax, with several nations on the cusp of realizing their World Cup dreams. With the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, Asia has been granted eight direct qualifying slots and one inter-confederation play-off spot, intensifying the competition and raising the stakes for the remaining contenders.
A historic milestone has been achieved by Uzbekistan, who have secured their first-ever World Cup qualification. A goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates was enough to secure their place in the 2026 tournament, sparking celebrations across the Central Asian nation. This achievement marks a significant step forward for Uzbek football and provides a platform for them to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Australia is also on the verge of securing their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance. A late 1-0 victory over Japan, courtesy of an Aziz Behich goal, has put the Socceroos in a commanding position in Group C. Their fate was sealed when Saudi Arabia failed to win against Bahrain. The Socceroos have navigated a challenging qualification path, demonstrating their consistency and determination to compete at the highest level. Coach Tony Popovic has expressed his desire for the team to "finish the job" and secure automatic qualification, highlighting the team's focus and ambition.
Jordan is another nation dreaming of a maiden World Cup appearance. A dominant 3-0 victory over Oman has propelled them to the top of Group B, increasing their chances of qualification. Ali Olwan's hat-trick against Oman showcased Jordan's attacking prowess and determination to seize their opportunity. Their fate is now in their own hands as they approach the final stages of the qualifiers. Crown Prince Hussein has even directed the setup of large public screens to allow fans to watch the game for free.
The AFC's qualification process is a long and arduous journey, involving multiple rounds and intense competition. The 18 teams that advanced from the second round were divided into three groups of six, with the top two teams from each group securing direct qualification to the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams will advance to the fourth round, where they will compete for the remaining spots.
Other teams in contention include Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, who are vying for a spot in Group C alongside Australia and Japan. In Group B, South Korea and Iraq are also in the mix, while Group A sees Iran already qualified. The final matchdays promise to be filled with drama and excitement as these nations battle it out for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
