الاتحاد الكويتي لكرة القدمMember Associations

The Portuguese, who took over the helm in 2022, leaves his post having helped Kuwait return to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time since the 2006 edition.

The 18 teams were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed berths and a possible additional spot via a playoff available for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia and Palestine are making their debuts at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

The West Asian side are once again amongst the elite in Asia and they are the next team the-AFC.com profiles in our in-depth look at the 18 nations vying for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 43 teams were divided into 10 groups - seven of four each and three of five - with the Qualifiers to be played between October 19 and 27, 2024.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will advance to the Finals, with Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the tournament.

Rashedi scored in the 81st minute as Kuwait edged Afghanistan 1-0 to finish second behind Qatar in Group A of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Having failed to qualify for the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Rashedi said Kuwait were determined to get it right this time, with the win also confirming their place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

The result meant Kuwait finished on seven points to advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and book their ticket to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with India missing out after a 2-1 defeat to Qatar.

Qatar, who have already sealed top spot, host India while Kuwait will welcome Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan head coach is aiming to lead the team to historic firsts by reaching the Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 as well securing a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, with the Central Asian side needing to better India’s result in the final set of matches on Tuesday.

The result took India to five points from five matches, with Kuwait one adrift. India next play Qatar in Doha on Tuesday, while Kuwait host Afghanistan.

Qatar are assured of finishing top, which means confirmed berths in the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

India and Afghanistan are on four points, with Kuwait one adrift heading into Thursday's round of matches.

Newly-crowned AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 winners Al Ain suffered defeat in the UAE Pro League while the season concluded in Kuwait.