AFC Asian Qualifiers
The eighteen teams were divided into three groups for what promises to be a thrilling campaign.
The-AFC.com breaks down all that you need to know about the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road To 26.
Eight
Asia is assured of eight spots in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Six
The top two finishers from the three groups will confirm their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Two
The third and fourth-placed teams from each group – six in total – will progress to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff, to be contested in two groups of three teams in a single round robin format, with both group winners qualifying for the 23rd FIFA World Cup.
One
The two second-placed finishers will face off in a home and away tie to earn the right to reach the Intercontinental Playoff and play for the final available berth.
Three
Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia and Palestine will be making their debuts at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
The Cast
Group A winners - Qatar
Group A winners - Qatar
Group A runners-up - Kuwait
Group A runners-up - Kuwait
Group B winners - Japan
Group B winners - Japan.jpg?q=80)
Group B runners-up - DPR Korea
Group B runners-up - DPR Korea.jpg?q=80)
Group C winners - Korea Republic
Group C winners - Korea Republic
Group C runners-up - China PR
Group C runners-up - China PR.jpg?q=80)
Group D winners - Oman
Group D winners - Oman
Group D runners-up - Kyrgyz Republic
Group D runners-up - Kyrgyz Republic
Group E winners - Islamic Republic of Iran
Group E winners - Islamic Republic of Iran
Group E runners-up - Uzbekistan
Group E runners-up - Uzbekistan
Group F winners - Iraq
Group F winners - Iraq
Group F runners-up - Indonesia
Group F runners-up - Indonesia
Group G winners - Jordan
Group G winners - Jordan.JPG?q=80)
Group G runners-up - Saudi Arabia
Group G runners-up - Saudi Arabia
Group H winners - United Arab Emirates
Group H winners - United Arab Emirates
Group H runners-up - Bahrain
Group H runners-up - Bahrain.JPG?q=80)
Group I winners - Australia
Group I winners - Australia
Group I runners-up - Palestine
Group I runners-up - Palestine
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Eleven
Korea Republic lead the continent with 11 FIFA World Cup Finals appearances. Japan have qualified seven times while Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia have each graced the global showpiece six times.
Twelve
Besides the aforementioned five, seven other Asian nations - DPR Korea (2), Indonesia (then known as Dutch East Indies), Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, China PR and Qatar (all one each) - have previously featured in the FIFA World Cup Finals. All 12 teams will be vying for places in the 2026 Finals.
Matchdays
2024
September 5, 10; October 10, 15; November 14, 19
2025
March 20, 25; June 5, 10
