World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers: Groups, teams, format, schedule, favourites | Soccer Information

The Asian Soccer Confederation’s third-round qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will start on Thursday, as 18 groups battle for the eight locations up for grabs.

The ultimate stage of qualification will culminate in June 2025, however a number of groups will be capable of cement their spots within the North American version of the World Cup a lot earlier.

Right here’s every thing to know as Asia’s best battle it out for a spot at world soccer’s showpiece occasion:

⚽ What’s the newest stage of AFC qualifiers?

Following the second spherical of preliminary knockout matches, the group phases of the AFC qualifiers have now been shaped by the 18 remaining groups from the area. There are eight automated qualifying locations up for grabs plus a further place within the final likelihood saloon that’s the intercontinental playoffs.

⚽ How can groups qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The 18 remaining Asian groups have been break up into three teams of six, who will face one another dwelling and away. The highest two groups will routinely qualify for the World Cup.

Six groups, comprising the perfect third- and fourth-placed finishers from the three teams, will then be divided into two teams. The three groups in every group of those two teams will face the opposite as soon as at a impartial venue. The highest two groups will progress to the World Cup.

The second-placed sides will face one another in a playoff for a spot within the intercontinental playoffs for the remaining World Cup berths.

⚽ Which groups are nonetheless within the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup?

The 18 groups have been break up into the three following teams:

Group A

Iran, Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyz Republic, DPR Korea

Group B

South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait

Group C

Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Indonesia

The highest 1️⃣5️⃣ Asian sides are revealed within the newest #FIFARanking! pic.twitter.com/ADTiXyxKes

— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) July 18, 2024

⚽ Which AFC nations are the favourites to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Defending AFC Cup champions Qatar and the crew they beat within the AFC Cup semifinals, Iran, are the favourites to qualify from Group A. South Korea and Iraq are the favourites in Group B though AFC Cup finalists Jordan, who beat South Korea to achieve the continental last, are anticipated to supply a powerful problem.

Group C is arguably probably the most aggressive group, with document AFC Cup winners Japan and AFC giants Australia the favourites to qualify though Saudi Arabia are anticipated to be robust challengers whereas each China and Indonesia are greater than able to inflicting a shock.

Our first match 🇶🇦 within the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

⚽️ Qatar 🆚 UAE
🗓️ Thursday, September 5, 2024
⏰ 19:00 (Doha time)
🏟️ Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium#AlAnnabi #Powered_By_Fans #Our_Journey_To2026 pic.twitter.com/SgjLwOCiop

— Qatar Soccer (@QFA_EN) September 2, 2024

⚽ What are the highest matches to look out for within the opening AFC qualifiers?

Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia

One of many largest matches from probably the most aggressive group will contain Saudi Arabia, who famously beat Argentina on the Qatar World Cup 2022. Al Jazeera will convey you reside textual content protection of the Inexperienced Falcons’ try to achieve a 3rd World Cup on the bounce.

Standing of their manner are Indonesia, who’re the one Southeast Asian aspect to stay within the qualifiers. The Saudis have gained 12 of the 15 conferences between either side.

South Korea vs Palestine

The AFC’s most profitable crew in qualifying for World Cups, South Korea, face a Palestine aspect which have made historical past twice already this season. The Lions of Canaan, who’ve progressed previous the second spherical of qualifiers for the primary time, additionally reached the knockout stage of the AFC Cup for the primary time within the event in Qatar. The percentages are stacked towards Palestine given South Korea haven’t misplaced a house qualifier since 2013.

Japan vs China

Two Asian financial powerhouses are paired within the opening spherical, however there’s a stark distinction of their performances on the soccer subject. Japan are the seven-time document winners of the AFC Cup and heavy favourites to progress from their group. China are but to win the continental crown and have solely as soon as, in 2002, reached a World Cup. Their final victory towards Japan was in 1998, whereas the Japanese are unbeaten of their final 13 qualifiers, profitable 12.

Palestine vs Jordan

This recreation brings two neighbours and two groups that overachieved on the 2023 AFC Cup in Qatar. Jordan had been defeated finalists, whereas fan favourites Palestine reached the knockout stage for the primary time.

⚽ Which international locations have the perfect AFC qualification document for FIFA World Cups?

Australia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all appeared on the Qatar World Cup 2022 and are robust favourites to make repeat appearances.

South Korea maintain the AFC document for many appearances at World Cup finals with 11 earlier {qualifications} to their identify.

Japan are concentrating on an eighth consecutive qualification whereas Australia are hoping to get a sixth consecutive look.

The 2 AFC giants might be closely threatened in Group C by Saudi Arabia, who’ve made seven appearances in whole at World Cups.

Iran have reached the finals on seven events and one other will mark a fourth straight qualification.

Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Palestine, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman and Uzbekistan have by no means certified for a FIFA World Cup.

⚽ The place is the 2026 FIFA World Cup being held?

The twenty third version of soccer’s world showpiece is being staged throughout three international locations in North America with Canada, Mexico and america all internet hosting fixtures all through the competitors. The ultimate itself might be held within the US.