Group B: Iraq 2-2 Kuwait

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group B: Iraq 2-2 Kuwait

Basra: Iraq fought back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Thursday.

Yousef Al Sulaiman scored either side of the break but stoppage time goals from Akam Hashim and Ibrahim Bayesh ensured Iraq took home a share of the spoils but meant they dropped to third in the standings, behind Jordan on goal difference. Korea Republic lead with 15 points. 

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#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Japan became the first team to book their FIFA World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday.

The win assured Hajime Moriyasu's side a top two finish in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 regardless of what happens in the remaining matches.

In Group A, Islamic Republic of Iran moved within a point of confirming their ticket after a 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates, with Uzbekistan maintaining a firm grip on second place.

Korea Republic were held 1-1 by Oman but remain well placed to advance from Group B.

The top two sides from each group will earn automatic qualification and the focus now shifts to Tuesday's round of matches so make sure to stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.

Group A: IR Iran 2-0 UAE

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group A: IR Iran 2-0 UAE

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran moved within a point of sealing a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance after defeating United Arab Emirates 2-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

The sixth win of the campaign kept them firmly on top of Group A and avoiding defeat against Uzbekistan - who beat Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 - on Tuesday will book their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Group A: Uzbekistan 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group A: Uzbekistan 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Tashkent: Uzbekistan edged closer to a debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup after defeating ten-man Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Thursday.

The win took Uzbekistan to 16 points, keeping them firmly in second place with three matches remaining. 

Group B: Korea Republic 1-1 Oman

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group B: Korea Republic 1-1 Oman

Goyang: Oman came back from a goal down to secure a late 1-1 draw with Korea Republic in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie at Goyang Stadium on Thursday.

Ali Al Busaidi’s 80th minute strike cancelled out Hwang Hee Chan’s first-half goal with the result leaving Korea Republic slumping to the ground as Oman celebrated a well deserved point.

Group C: Saudi Arabia 1-0 China PR

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group C: Saudi Arabia 1-0 China PR

Riyadh: Salem Al Dawsari struck to earn Saudi Arabia a 1-0 win over 10-man China PR in Riyadh on Thursday as Herve Renard’s side took sole possession of third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

The Al Hilal captain netted in the 50th minute against a Chinese side that had to play the entire second 45 minutes a man down after Lin Liangmin was sent off in first half injury time for a foul on Hassan Al Tambakti.

Victory moves Saudi Arabia onto nine points from seven games and keeps Renard’s side within a point of Australia in the battle to claim the remaining automatic qualifying berth behind table toppers Japan. China PR are on six points with three matches remaining.

Group B: Jordan 3-1 Palestine

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group B: Jordan 3-1 Palestine

Amman: A first half masterclass from Mousa Al Tamari inspired Jordan to a 3-1 win against Palestine in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B match on Thursday.

The win boosted Jordan’s chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they climbed above Iraq into second spot with a superior goal difference, with Korea Republic top with three matches remaining.

Group A: Qatar 5-1 DPR Korea

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group A: Qatar 5-1 DPR Korea

Doha: Qatar kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 5-1 win over DPR Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday.

Akram Afif played a captain's rome as the victory took Qatar level on 10 points with the United Arab Emirates, nine behind leaders Islamic Republic of Iran and six adrift of Uzbekistan, with only the top two teams to qualify automatically for next year’s global showpiece.

Defeat for DPR Korea left them rooted at the bottom with two points.