FIFA World Cup

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.

The FIFA Extraordinary Congress convened virtually earlier today and selected Saudi Arabia - the sole bidder for the 25th edition of the global showpiece – by acclamation.

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.

Fabio Lima scored four times, including a first-half hat-trick, as UAE took possession of third place and kept Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan in sight.

Kuwait found themselves trailing to Yazan Al Naimat’s curling effort, with Pizzi making key substitutions after the break which he said improved his team’s control of the game.

Youssef Amyn’s first half strike moved Iraq to 11 points,three behind Group B leaders Korea Republic and two ahead of third-placed Jordan, having only claimed one point from their previous two matches.

Despite a spirited challenge from China PR, Japan were simply too strong as they moved up to 16 points, nine ahead of Australia and one win away from sealing an eighth consecutive appearance at Finals.

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.

The FIFA Extraordinary Congress convened virtually earlier today and selected Saudi Arabia - the sole bidder for the 25th edition of the global showpiece – by acclamation.

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.

Fabio Lima scored four times, including a first-half hat-trick, as UAE took possession of third place and kept Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan in sight.

Kuwait found themselves trailing to Yazan Al Naimat’s curling effort, with Pizzi making key substitutions after the break which he said improved his team’s control of the game.

South American sides will be the first in action with preliminary competitions for Asia and Africa also to take off before the end of the year as nations battle it out for spots at the global Finals.

We take a look at the qualifying process and more for the tournament which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and USA.

As many as 45 Member Associations (MAs) are expected to discover their road to the 23rd FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is the third time that the first two rounds of Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup will also serve as the Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup™.

QFA said both parties decided it was a good moment to begin a new chapter when Sanchez's contract expires on Saturday.

The decision comes after Qatar's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign ended in the group stage with the hosts suffering three defeats in Group A.

While Japan failed to reach the quarter-finals after losing to Croatia on penalties in the Round of 16, they produced stunning wins against Germany and Spain in the group stage.

Lionel Messi may have hoisted the trophy but history will show that Saudi Arabia not only were the last team to beat Argentina before they emerged champions for a third time but were also the side to end the South American side's 36-match unbeaten run heading into Qatar 2022.

The-AFC.com relives Saudi Arabia's thrilling adventure.

It proved to be a tough yet rewarding experience for head coach Felix Sanchez's players with expectations soaring that Qatar can be regular qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup.

All hope looked lost following their defeat to Ghana but Paulo Bento's side refused to give up.

Join the-AFC.com as we retrace Korea Republic's Qatar 2022 journey.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu had unhesitatingly stated that the last eight stage was his target, with Japan having fallen in the Round of 16 on three previous occasions.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how Japan just missed out on reaching their target.

Iran gave Qatar 2022 their all and despite suffering disappointment, Carlos Queiroz's side won many hearts with their resilience and determination.

The-AFC.com revisits Iran's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign.

In masterminding Argentina's triumph, Lionel Messi ensured his trophy cabinet now has the one title that he really craved.

While Messi and Argentina bask in glory, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 also saw Asia's cast making their impact felt in the global showpiece. The-AFC.com revisits the Asian performance, starting with Australia.

For the Asian Football Confederation, meanwhile, it was collectively a best-ever campaign as the six sides from the continent posted some of the greatest results in their history as they broke new ground on the world stage.

With the sun now set on Qatar 2022, the-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that caught the eye with Asia’s six representatives.

Four years ago at Russia 2018, Asia recorded its highest points tally in a FIFA World Cup and that feat was topped in Qatar as, for the very first time, three teams representing the Asian Football Confederation made it to the knockout stages.

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic were the nations who scripted history with their Round of 16 appearances, but the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who hosted a truly superb FIFA World Cup, all had tournaments which they can look back on with fond memories.

With Argentina’s triumph over France in a thrilling finale at Lusail Stadium on Sunday bringing the curtain down on a competition that will live long in the memory, the-AFC.com looks back at some of Asia’s best moments from Qatar 2022 as the FIFA World Cup visited the continent for only the second time.

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Shaikh Salman congratulates FIFA World Cup 2034 host Saudi Arabia

Garcia takes over Qatar helm

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Historic results, Massive wins and more!

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Best Goal of MD5 & 6

#AsianQualifiers - Group takeaways

Bento: UAE’s preparations secured triumph against Qatar

Pizzi’s tactical changes secure Kuwait vital draw

Iraq depth key to crucial victory over Oman, says Casas

Title, not qualification, is Moriyasu’s target for Japan

Year in Review: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26

Shaikh Salman congratulates FIFA World Cup 2034 host Saudi Arabia

Garcia takes over Qatar helm

#AsianQualifiers - Match Predictor: Historic results, Massive wins and more!

#AsianQualifiers - Vote for your Best Goal of MD5 & 6

#AsianQualifiers - Group takeaways

Bento: UAE’s preparations secured triumph against Qatar

Pizzi’s tactical changes secure Kuwait vital draw

Iraq depth key to crucial victory over Oman, says Casas

Title, not qualification, is Moriyasu’s target for Japan

Journey to 2026 begins

Stage set for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers draw

Sanchez steps down as Qatar head coach

Moriyasu stays as Japan head coach

Qatar 2022: Saudi Arabia stun Argentina in thrilling campaign

Qatar 2022: Steep learning curve for hosts

Qatar 2022: Korea Republic show grit and determination

Qatar 2022: So near yet so far for Japan

Qatar 2022: Heartbreak but IR Iran show quality

Qatar 2022: Australia scale new peak

Qatar 2022: Asia in Numbers

Asian Highs at Qatar 2022