Qatar and Saudi Arabia favourites to fill AFC’s last two 2026 slots

July 18: Qatar, host of World Cup 2022, and Saudi Arabia, host of World Cup 2034, have been placed in separate groups for the final Asian qualifying round for World Cup 2026.

Both nations will host a group for the round that will see the two group winners making it through to the 2026 finals.

Australia, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan have already confirmed qualified for the Finals.

The six teams were divided into two groups of three. The group winners qualify directly while the second-placed teams from have a two-legged play-off in November for the AFC’s slot at the FIFA Playoff Tournament.

Asian champions Qatar will face the United Arab Emirates and Oman in Group A, with matches to be played in a single round-robin format scheduled for October 8 to 14.

Qatar had a difficult time in the last round of group qualifying, having been one of the favourites to qualify. They will obviously have a home advantage against the UAE and Oman.

UAE are seeking a second appearance at the Finals following their debut in the 1990 edition. Oman, if qualified, would be making a debut appearance at the World Cup finals.

Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, were a favourite for qualification last round. In 2022 they were the only team to beat eventual winners Argentina. They are bidding for a third consecutive and seventh overall appearance at the Finals. This summer they have shown considerable improvement in performance under returning coach Herve Renard, making it through to the quarter finals of Concacaf’s Gold Cup despite not having key players from Al Hilal who were playing at the Club World Cup.

There toughest challenge is likely to be Iraq, whose only previous appearance at the FIFA World Cup was in 1986. Indonesia are the other team in Group B. Their only appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals was in the 1938 edition

Draw Result (matches to be played between Oct 8 and 14)

Group A: Qatar (H), UAE, Oman

Group B: Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia

Knockout Stage

13 Nov

1st leg: Runners-up Group A v Runners-up Group B

18 Nov

2nd leg: Runners-up Group B v Runners-up Group A

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