As the FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming closer, six asian teams are preparing themselves for one of the most important stages in international football – the AFC Asian Qualifiers: Road to 26 Playoffs. Currently, only two spots are empty for Asia, and six teams are alive in the race to the playoffs for the big tournament.
This time, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also gearing up for its historic return in the FIFA World Cup 2026. It is a rare opportunity for this team to return to the world stage after more than three decades.
Format of the Playoffs
The playoffs are divided into two groups of three teams each. A round-robin format will determine the matches played from October 8th to 14th. Moreover, the top teams of both groups will get a direct ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026. This time, the big tournament will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico with an expected 48-team format.
Here are the details about the two groups in the Asian playoffs:
- Group A (hosted by Qatar): Qatar (H), UAE, Oman
- Group B (hosted by Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia (H), Iraq, Indonesia
The two-leg inter-group playoff will include the second-placed teams from both groups. It is scheduled for November 13 to November 18 of this year. However, a draw has decided that the Group A runner-up will host the first leg. Moreover, the winner of that tie will proceed to the FIFA Playoff Tournament. It will represent one last chance to earn the spot.
Teams Already Qualified from Asia
- Australia
- Japan
- Korea Republic
- Iran
- Jordan
- Uzbekistan
Group A Overview
- Qatar QA
After making its debut in 2022, the team is looking to qualify on the basis of performance alone. The country finished its journey at fourth in Group A during the last round. Still, Qatar is standing strong, especially at home.
- 🇦🇪 UAE
You might be shocked to learn that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made their only World Cup appearance in 1990. Now, the team is desperate to break their 36-year absence from the tournament. Moreover, it finished third in Group A in the previous round.
The Emiratis have entered the playoffs with a fresh determination and energy. A successful run from here could lead the team to fulfill their much-awaited wish of entering the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- 🇴🇲 Oman
Surprisingly, this team is a dark horse in this group because it has never appeared in the FIFA World Cup in history. It ended at a fourth position in the last round. Now, they are hungry to make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Group B Overview
- 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
It is a veteran team with six appearances in the World Cup. Now, they are focusing on their third consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, Saudi Arabia finished third in Group C, which means they must fight harder than ever to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
- 🇮🇶 Iraq
Similar to the UAE, Iraq has also been waiting for its entry for many decades. Now, the team is hopeful of making history with the younger squads and strong momentum. However, it finished in third place in Group B.
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia
Surprisingly, Indonesia last appeared in this tournament in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies. However, this team has now finished fourth in Group C. So, they are a few steps away from rewriting history with their entry in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Stakes Higher Than Ever in FIFA World Cup 2026
The AFC Asian Qualifiers: Road to 26 Playoffs is not only about getting a pass for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, this is a symbol for sporting glory, national pride, and footballing history. It could be an excellent opportunity for nations, like the UAE, Indonesia, and Oman, to make history.
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