Hosts of AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs confirmed

Thu, 12 Jun, 2025

Hosts of AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the Qatar Football Association and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation as the Host Member Associations for the upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs.

Six teams, the third and fourth-placed sides from the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26, namely Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, will be divided into two groups of three teams to do battle in a centralised format from October 8 to 14, 2025, with the group winners securing the two remaining automatic berths at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

#AsianQualifiers - Facts & Figures

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Asia's automatic qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 were confirmed following the conclusion of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on Tuesday.

There is, however, still hope for six teams but they will have to navigate through the playoffs to book a spot in next year's global showpiece to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The-AFC.com highlights several key facts and figures from an intense qualifying campaign that saw history being made.

Australia take final spot; Oman through to playoffs

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Australia take final spot; Oman through to playoffs

Kuala Lumpur: Australia booked the final automatic ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 concluded on Tuesday.

There was joy for Oman as well as they advanced to the playoffs, where an additional two tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be at stake.

Popovic proud of Australia’s character; Renard regrets missed chances

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Popovic proud of Australia’s character; Renard regrets missed chances

Jeddah: Tony Popovich was both proud and optimistic after guiding Australia to the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Connor Metcalfe cancelled out Abdulrahman Al Obud’s opener before Mitch Duke’s early second half half strike, coupled with Maty Ryan saving a late Salem Al Dawsari penalty, sealed Australia second spot in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

Hong hails youngsters as Korea Republic sign off in style

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Hong hails youngsters as Korea Republic sign off in style

Seoul: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo praised his young charges after they capped their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Kuwait at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday.

With top spot already secured, Korea Republic played with fluidity and swept aside Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side thanks to goals from Jeon Jin-woo, Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Lee Jae-sung to finish unbeaten on 22 points.

Japan’s depth thrills Moriyasu; Indonesia’s Kluivert promises improvement

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Japan’s depth thrills Moriyasu; Indonesia’s Kluivert promises improvement

Suita: Head coach Hajime Moriyasu was delighted to see emerging talents stake a claim for places in the Japan squad after impressive performances in their 6-0 win against Indonesia in their final AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C tie on Tuesday.

Junnosuke Suzuki, Shunsuke Mito, Kodai Sano and Sato were all given their international bows by Moriyasu as the 56-year-old tactician rang in the changes following Thursday’s 1-0 reverse to Australia.

Jaber applauds Oman’s determination

Wed, 11 Jun, 2025

Jaber applauds Oman’s determination

Amman: Head coach Rashid Jaber praised his players for their unwavering belief after Oman scored in stoppage time to hold Palestine to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday.

The point secured Oman a spot in the playoffs, keeping their dreams of an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup alive.