How They Got Here: Part 2

Tue, 25 Jun, 2024

How They Got Here: Part 2

Kuala Lumpur: Eighteen nations from across the continent will compete for automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 during the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 – the draw for which will take place on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

A record number of eight tickets are on offer for Asia at the global showpiece to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, and the contenders will be split into three groups of six teams for the next phase of the Asian Qualifiers, with a ninth side also standing a chance to qualify through the Inter-Confederation playoffs.

With the date for the draw fast approaching, the-AFC.com takes a look back at how the sides from Group D, E and F of the second round made it through to the next stage. 

How They Got Here: Part 1

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

How They Got Here: Part 1

Kuala Lumpur: With the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ set to take place on June 27, the-AFC.com looks back at how the teams reached the third round of the qualifying campaign. 

A total of 18 sides will be split across three groups, with six teams set to advance directly to the global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and a further six to progress to the next stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
 
Asia has a record eight automatic places up for grabs at the FIFA World Cup, with one more team to get the chance of being the continent’s ninth participant via the Inter-Confederation playoffs.
 
Ahead of the draw, there is all to play for in what promises to be a thrilling next phase of qualifying. Here’s how the six sides from Groups A to C of the previous round got to this stage.

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Tue, 18 Jun, 2024

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals

Kuala Lumpur: The pain of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s semi-final exit at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ still stings for Mehdi Taremi but, as the striker tells the-AFC.com, he is choosing to look towards the future; to his impending move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and to what he hopes will be another FIFA World Cup Finals appearance.

No nation knows semi-final heartbreak at the AFC Asian Cup quite like IR Iran; on seven occasions since 1976 - the most recent of the country’s three consecutive continental titles - Team Melli have fallen one hurdle before the tournament’s deciding match.

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will be aiming to get over the final hurdle for the first time when they take their place among the 18 teams in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

Seven previous attempts at FIFA World Cup qualification have seen Uzbekistan falter in the the final round but the Central Asian side look well placed to book a berth in the 2026 Finals, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Mon, 24 Jun, 2024

Know your team: United Arab Emirates

Kuala Lumpur: The United Arab Emirates will leave no stone unturned in their bid to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the West Asian side determined to hit the ground running in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign.

The UAE, seeking a second appearance at the global showpiece, came agonisingly close to qualifying for the Qatar 2022 edition with Australia ending their campaign in the Asian playoff.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will not be short of confidence as they embark on their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, with the West Asian side aiming to qualify for their third consecutive and seventh overall FIFA World Cup.

Despite finishing second in Group G on goal difference, Saudi Arabia demonstrated their strength with 13 points and a solid performance throughout the second round. 

Know Your Team: Palestine

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: Palestine will open a new chapter in their footballing history when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™.

A historic second round campaign means Palestine’s FIFA World Cup dream remains alive as the qualifiers head into the third round with the West Asian side hoping to take their place in the 2026 global showpiece which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know your team: Oman

Sun, 23 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will aim to continue from where they left off in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign as the West Asian side strive to secure a maiden FIFA World Cup berth.

Boosted by their top place finish in the second round, Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy will not shy away from making changes to his squad ahead of their third round campaign, with eight spots available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Know Your Team: Qatar

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know Your Team: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar will be aiming for a historic first as they ready themselves for the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ with a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.

The-AFC.com profiles the prospect of Akram Afif and co taking Qatar to a second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Sat, 22 Jun, 2024

Know your team: Kyrgyz Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Kyrgyz Republic will be looking to create even more history in their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ campaign, having qualified for this stage of FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time.

At the helm of the Central Asian side's bid will be Russian Maksim Lisitsyn, who has replaced Stefan Tarkovic as head coach, with the Slovakian having steered Kyrgyz Republic to the third round.