Asia will send a record eight direct representatives to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with one additional place still in play through the intercontinental playoff. As of mid-October, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has already confirmed its largest-ever contingent, underscoring the region’s growing influence on the global stage.
The nations already qualified are Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. These eight teams will join hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States among the 48 nations heading to North America next year.
Saudi Arabia became the latest Asian side to book their ticket after a tense goalless draw against Iraq in Jeddah, advancing on goal difference to claim first place in Group B. Qatar, meanwhile, also sealed passage by winning their group in Doha, ensuring back-to-back appearances after hosting the 2022 tournament.
Traditional regional powers Japan, Iran, South Korea, and Australia were among the first to qualify, continuing their long streaks of World Cup appearances. Jordan and Uzbekistan, two of the continent’s rising forces, made history by securing their maiden qualifications, reflecting a power shift within the AFC’s competitive landscape.
Yet the race is not entirely over. The final Asian berth will be decided in November, when Iraq and the United Arab Emirates face off in a two-legged playoff. The winner will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, joining New Caledonia (Oceania) and Bolivia (South America) among others vying for the tournament’s last two spots.
The AFC’s allocation for 2026 — expanded to eight direct berths plus one intercontinental slot — reflects FIFA’s new 48-team format, which gives Asia its highest representation ever. With nine potential participants, the continent is poised for a landmark presence in North America, featuring both familiar names and new challengers determined to make history on football’s grandest stage.
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