AFC 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Teams, Groups, and Key Matches

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) 2026 World Cup qualifiers are now in the third round, with 18 teams vying for eight automatic spots in the global football showpiece, set to take place in North America. These teams have been divided into three groups of six, playing home and away matches. The top two teams from each group will secure automatic qualification, while the best third- and fourth-placed teams will move on to a separate playoff system for another chance to qualify.

Teams and Groups

The 18 teams have been split into the following groups:

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

Favorites to Qualify

In Group A, Qatar and Iran are the frontrunners, while Group B sees South Korea and Iraq as strong contenders, though Jordan is expected to challenge. Group C is the most competitive, with Japan and Australia leading, but Saudi Arabia poses a significant threat. Both China and Indonesia could also surprise.

Key Matches to Watch

Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia: A crucial match in the highly competitive Group C.
South Korea vs Palestine: South Korea, historically the most successful Asian team in World Cup qualifiers, faces a Palestine team that is making waves this season.
Japan vs China: Japan, one of the AFC powerhouses, takes on China in a clash of Asian giants.

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Facundo Trotta

Hailing from the soccer-crazed nation of Argentina, Facundo is not just a journalist but a digital media virtuoso. With a love for the beautiful game pulsating through his veins, he intricately weaves words to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of the game. His expertise extends seamlessly into the digital realm, where he transforms stories into immersive experiences.

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