The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers have delivered plenty of excitement so far. With the World Cup expanded to 48 teams, Asia has more spots than ever, making the competition fierce and unpredictable. Here’s a clear look at the qualifying format, current standings, and upcoming matches.

Qualifying Format and Current Stage

The AFC qualifiers are a multi-round process. After the first and second rounds, the top teams advanced to the Third Round. This stage features 18 teams divided into three groups of six. The top two teams from each group earn a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup. Teams finishing third and fourth move on to the Fourth Round for another chance to qualify.

Current Standings and Qualified Teams

Here are the final standings from the Third Round and the teams that have already secured their place at the World Cup:

  • Group A:
    • Iran - Qualified
    • Uzbekistan - Qualified
    • United Arab Emirates - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • Qatar - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • Kyrgyzstan
    • North Korea
  • Group B:
    • South Korea - Qualified
    • Jordan - Qualified
    • Iraq - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • Oman - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • Palestine
    • Kuwait
  • Group C:
    • Japan - Qualified
    • Australia - Qualified
    • Saudi Arabia - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • Indonesia - Advanced to Fourth Round
    • China
    • Bahrain

Fourth Round Schedule and Matches

The six teams finishing third and fourth (UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia) move on to the Fourth Round. They have been drawn into two groups of three, playing at a centralized venue in October. The winners of each group will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

  • Group A: Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman
  • Group B: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia

Upcoming Matches

  • October 8, 2025: Oman vs Qatar, Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia
  • October 11, 2025: United Arab Emirates vs Oman, Iraq vs Indonesia
  • October 14, 2025: Qatar vs United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia vs Iraq

The runners-up from these two groups will face each other in the Fifth Round. The winner of that match will earn a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs, keeping the dream of the World Cup alive for one more team.

Stay Updated

For the latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers Asia schedule, results, and points table, follow official AFC sources and reputable football news outlets. The race to the World Cup is heating up, and every match counts!