2026 FIFA World Cup: Exciting AFC Qualifiers Update for Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and More
- Asim Hussain
- Reading Time 4
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) revealing the fourth round of qualifiers. This stage decides which teams will join the world’s biggest football tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With an expanded 48-team format, Asia has eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff spot up for grabs.
AFC Qualifiers: The Road to the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process is in full swing, and Asia’s top teams are battling for a place in the tournament. Six AFC teams—Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—have already secured their spots by finishing in the top two of their third-round groups. Now, six more teams—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Iraq, and Oman—are competing in the fourth round for the final two direct qualification spots.
The fourth round features two groups of three teams each, playing in a single round-robin format. The winners of each group will earn a direct ticket to the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will face off in a playoff for a chance to compete in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
Fourth Round Draw: Qatar and Saudi Arabia Host
The draw for the fourth round, held at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has set the stage for thrilling matches. Here’s how the groups look:
Group | Teams | Host |
Group A | Qatar, UAE, Oman | Qatar |
Group B | Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia | Saudi Arabia |
Group A: Qatar Leads the Charge
Qatar, the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts and back-to-back AFC Cup winners, will host Group A. They face Oman on October 8, 2025, followed by a clash with the UAE on October 14, 2025. Qatar has never qualified for the World Cup finals, making this a historic opportunity for the team to shine on the global stage.
Group B: Saudi Arabia’s Quest for Glory
Saudi Arabia, aiming for their seventh World Cup appearance since 1994, will host Group B. Their campaign kicks off against Indonesia on October 8, 2025, followed by a match against Iraq on October 14, 2025. Indonesia, an emerging football nation, will also face Iraq on October 11, 2025, in what promises to be a competitive group.
How the AFC Qualifiers Work
The AFC qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is straightforward but intense:
- Third Round: Eighteen teams were divided into three groups of six. The top two teams from each group (Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, Uzbekistan) qualified directly.
- Fourth Round: Six teams (third and fourth-placed from the third round) form two groups of three. The group winners qualify directly, and the runners-up compete in a two-legged playoff in November 2025.
- Fifth Round: The winner of the playoff advances to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 for a final chance to qualify.
This structure ensures Asia’s best teams have multiple pathways to reach the World Cup, making every match critical.
Teams to Watch in the AFC Qualifiers
Qatar
As hosts of Group A, Qatar is determined to make their World Cup debut. With star player Almoez Ali, who has scored 12 goals in the qualifiers, Qatar is a strong contender.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s experience and home advantage make them favorites in Group B. Their consistent World Cup appearances since 1994 show their strength on the continental stage.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a rising star in Asian football. Facing tough opponents like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, their matches will test their growing potential.
UAE, Oman, and Iraq
These teams bring unpredictability to the qualifiers. The UAE and Oman will challenge Qatar in Group A, while Iraq aims to upset Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in Group B.
When and Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026. With 48 teams, this will be the largest World Cup ever, offering more opportunities for Asian teams to shine.
Why the 2026 World Cup Matters
The expanded 48-team format means more nations, including those from Asia, can compete on the global stage. For fans in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, the fourth round is a chance to see their teams make history. The qualifiers also highlight Asia’s growing football talent, with players like Almoez Ali, Mehdi Taremi (Iran), and Son Heung-min (South Korea) leading the charge.
What’s Next for the AFC Qualifiers?
The fourth round begins on October 8, 2025, with matches hosted in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Fans can expect intense battles as teams fight for the final two direct spots. The playoff between the group runners-up in November 2025 will keep the excitement alive, leading to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
Stay tuned for updates as the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues!
FAQ
Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, and Uzbekistan have secured their spots by finishing in the top two of their third-round groups.
Eight AFC teams will qualify directly, with one additional team having a chance through the intercontinental playoffs.
The fourth-round matches are scheduled for October 8, 11, and 14, 2025, hosted by Qatar (Group A) and Saudi Arabia (Group B).
The second-placed teams from each group will play a two-legged playoff in November 2025. The winner advances to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
Matches are typically broadcast on local sports channels in participating countries or streamed online through platforms like FIFA+ or AFC’s official channels. Check local listings for details.
