Asian Qualifiers - Landing Page (AR)2

The 43-year former defender, who led Uzbekistan to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final last year, has joined the team’s training camp in Qatar to prepare for March’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 matches against Kyrgyz Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The 61-year-old has led the White Wolves to second place in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 but has left less than two months before Uzbekistan resume the qualifiers against Kyrgyz Republic in Tashkent on March 20.

The 26-year-old, who has played 24 times for the Socceroos, has signed a two-year contract with the Washington DC-based club with the option of a further year.

The Australians are currently second in Group C in the quest for a place at the 2026 finals in North America on seven points with four matches remaining in the third phase of the Qualifiers, holding a one-point advantage over the chasing pack after six matches.

The Dutchman replaces Korea Republic's Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Southeast Asian team.

The 48-year-old former striker inherits a side that is still within striking distance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Southeast Asian side sitting third in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

Shin, who was appointed in December 2019, has been removed from the post with Indonesia sitting in third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 and only six months after signing a contract extension until 2027.

While Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Korea Republic look well placed to book tickets to the FIFA World Cup 26, several others have much to do when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March 2025.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will earn automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 26.

A further two slots are available via playoffs involving the third and fourth-placed teams from the three groups while an additional spot is possible through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Garcia, formerly Marquez Lopez’s assistant, will take over from the outgoing Spaniard, with his first assignment beginning with the 2024 Gulf Cup.

But before we get going, don’t forget to sign up for our ‘Free-to-Play’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ Road to 26 Match Predictor.

You can compete against friends, show off your knowledge and win exclusive prizes along the way. Why wait? Join now: https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers/predictor.html

Now, let’s get going on the recap of the latest matchdays.

From stunners from distance to magnificent free-kicks, fans of Asian football were treated to some fantastic strikes with a combined 49 goals scored across the two Matchdays.

The-AFC.com invites you, the fans, to pick your favourite goal.

As the players either return to their clubs or take a break, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand with just four matches remaining.

The top two teams from each group will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26 while the third and fourth-placed teams will advance to a playoff, where another two slots are available.

An additional ticket is also available via an Inter-Confederation playoff.

The 43-year former defender, who led Uzbekistan to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final last year, has joined the team’s training camp in Qatar to prepare for March’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 matches against Kyrgyz Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The 61-year-old has led the White Wolves to second place in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 but has left less than two months before Uzbekistan resume the qualifiers against Kyrgyz Republic in Tashkent on March 20.

The 26-year-old, who has played 24 times for the Socceroos, has signed a two-year contract with the Washington DC-based club with the option of a further year.

The Australians are currently second in Group C in the quest for a place at the 2026 finals in North America on seven points with four matches remaining in the third phase of the Qualifiers, holding a one-point advantage over the chasing pack after six matches.

The Dutchman replaces Korea Republic's Shin Tae-yong as head coach of the Southeast Asian team.

The 48-year-old former striker inherits a side that is still within striking distance of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Southeast Asian side sitting third in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.

A total of five stadiums in Riyadh will host the Continent’s elite: the King Fahd Sports City Stadium, the King Saud University Stadium, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium, Kingdom Arena and the Al Shabab Stadium.

Shin, who was appointed in December 2019, has been removed from the post with Indonesia sitting in third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 and only six months after signing a contract extension until 2027.

While Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan and Korea Republic look well placed to book tickets to the FIFA World Cup 26, several others have much to do when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March 2025.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will earn automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 26.

A further two slots are available via playoffs involving the third and fourth-placed teams from the three groups while an additional spot is possible through the inter-confederation playoffs.

A total 24 teams will be in the hunt to join the 18 sides who have already sealed qualification by virtue of advancing to the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 2026.

The draw for the final round of the Qualifiers saw the 24 teams divided into six groups with only the group winners to advance to Saudi Arabia 2027.

Cklamovski replaces interim head coach Pau Marti, who stepped in following the departure of Kim Pan-gon.