Tough road
With just 15 spots available, there will be no room for error for the hopefuls as only the 11 group winners and four best-ranked runners-up will join hosts Saudi Arabia at the Finals on January 7-25, 2026.

Japan one ahead
Five teams have emerged champions since the tournament made its debut in 2013. Japan are the only side to have won the title twice (2016, 2024) with Iraq (2013), Uzbekistan (2018), Korea Republic (2020) and Saudi Arabia (2022) the other former champions.

Vietnam the odd ones out
Vietnam are the only one of six sides to have made the final of one of the previous editions and not lifted the coveted trophy, with the Southeast Asian side losing to Uzbekistan in a thriller in 2018.

Perfect run
Australia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have the honour of having featured in all previous editions of the tournament.

Biggest participation
A total 44 teams are bidding to qualify for the Finals, the largest number of entries in the history of the tournament.

Chasing history
Of the total number of teams in the Qualifiers, 20 are aiming for a maiden appearance at Finals. Bhutan and Northern Mariana Islands are seeking qualification for the first time. Indonesia were the only debutant side in the 2024 Finals, with the Southeast Asian team going on to finish fourth and narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

Superb record
Iraq and Korea Republic have amazing track record in the Qualifiers, with the West Asian side undefeated in 20 matches (W15, D5) while the East Asian team have a record of 16 wins and three draws.

Seventh time lucky?
India, Lebanon, Laos, Timor-Leste, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Bangladesh competed in the Qualifiers of each of the previous editions with no success. They will be aiming to get it right this time.