M8 Recap 

Islamic Republic of Iran joined Japan as direct qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by fighting back to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan to secure a top two finish in Group A. In the same group, Kyrgyz Republic stunned Qatar 3-1 while the United Arab Emirates beat DPR Korea 2-1. 

In Group B, Palestine recorded a historic first-ever third-round victory by edging Iraq 2-1. Korea Republic drew 1-1 with Jordan as the Taegeuk Warriors’ wait to seal automatic qualification was prolonged while Oman beat Kuwait 1-0 to keep their dreams alive. 

Saudi Arabia sit third in Group C after a goalless draw with Japan as Australia, in second, strengthened their position with a 2-0 win over China PR. And Indonesia picked up a massive three points in Jakarta, beating Bahrain 1-0 to remain in contention. 

Most accurate pick of MD8:  

UAE to beat DPR Korea – 81.13% (Final score: DPR Korea 1-2 UAE)  

Talk about a nail-biter! UAE pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory against DPR Korea in Riyadh. Fabio Lima netted after just five minutes, but Kim Yu-song levelled just before half-time to keep the game in the balance. 

Just when it looked like the Emiratis were going to drop two crucial points, Sultan Adil swooped in with a jaw-dropping goal in the 98th minute, keeping the UAE's hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 1990 alive. 

The win means the UAE remain in contention for a top-two finish while DPR Korea bowed out as their wait for a first World Cup appearance since 2010 goes on. Although it was tight, congratulations to the 81.13% of you who predicted a UAE win. 

Biggest shock result of MD8:  
Qatar to beat Kyrgyz Republic by 85.87% (Final score: Kyrgyz Republic 3-1 Qatar) 

What a rollercoaster in Bishkek as Kyrgyz Republic pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory against a 10-man Qatar. Valeriy Kichin put the hosts in front as half-time approached before Qatar's Lucas Mendes equalised in the 52nd minute.

But the goalscorer went from hero to villain just two minutes later when he was sent off to give the Kyrgyz the upper hand. Aleksandr Mischenko’s long-range strike put the home side ahead with eight minutes left and Alimardon Shukurov sealed the win in stoppage time.

That means a fourth-placed finish – a position currently occupied by Qatar – and a spot in the next round of qualifiers is still a possibility for Kyrgyz Republic.  A tough pill to swallow for the overwhelming 85.87% of you who backed Qatar to grab three points.  

Expert picks for MD9:  

On we go to Matchday Nine as our experts give you some top tips on who to pick for the next round of Match Predictor. 

Kyrgyz Republic to beat DPR Korea  

Get ready for a pivotal clash when Kyrgyz Republic take on DPR Korea in Riyadh in a must-win encounter. The White Falcons are soaring after overcoming Asian champions Qatar but only victory will keep their hopes of catching the Qataris alive. 

The aforementioned win moved Kyrgyz Republic to six points from eight matches, four behind Qatar with two games to play. Should they make it back-to-back wins and Qatar drop points against Iran, the race will continue to the final matchday. 

With DPR Korea propping up Group A and already eliminated, and Kyrgyz Republic riding on the crest of a wave following Matchday Eight, we predict they will have the momentum to record another victory. Then all eyes will be on the Qatar result. 

Indonesia to beat China PR 

The clash between Indonesia and China PR at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is one not to be missed. While the Chinese managed a 2-1 victory in their previous meeting, the impact the ferocious support for Indonesia in Jakarta cannot be overstated. 

The Garuda’s 1-0 Matchday Eight victory over Bahrain in the Indonesian capital, thanks to Ole Romenij's winner, was a statement of intent and leaves Patrick Kluivert’s side in a decent position in Group C with two games to go. 

Indonesia sit in fourth place on nine points, giving them a significant edge over China PR in sixth place on six points. With a capacity crowd expected at GBK, we believe the Garuda will fly high, claim all three points and end China PR’s World Cup dream. 

If you haven’t already, join our free-to-play Match Predictor at https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/predictor.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=topMenuBar&utm_campaign=aqmatchpredictor&utm_content=ENG.

 

It’s the place for you to put your Asian football knowledge to the test while winning cool, exclusive prizes along the way!