The AFC is managing the qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with eight teams guaranteed direct entry and one team vying for inter-confederation playoff spots. The qualification consists of multiple stages, starting from the first round with 20 teams, culminating in the final qualifications in 2025. Notable players are involved, and current standings reveal competitive performances from several Asian nations.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will oversee the qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, involving an intricate process with various stages. A minimum of eight teams will secure a direct berth in the World Cup, while one team will have the chance to qualify through inter-confederation playoffs. This qualification journey consists of multiple rounds that require teamwork and dedication from nations across Asia.
The qualification format includes several stages: the first round features 20 teams competing in a home-and-away setup from October 11-17, 2023. Following this, the second round will take place from November 2023 to June 2024, involving 36 teams divided into nine groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round, leading up to a total of six UFW qualifying spots.
In the third round, from September 2024, 18 teams will compete in three groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the World Cup. The fourth round, commencing in October 2025, will consist of six teams in two groups, where group winners will qualify directly while the second-place teams will proceed to a fifth round. This last round in November 2025 will see two teams compete for a shot at the inter-confederation playoffs.
Several prominent players are affected, including Heung-min Son (South Korea), Kaoru Mitoma (Japan), and Cameron Burgess (Australia), all playing for national teams with high chances of qualification. As the tournament approaches, teams like Japan, Iran, South Korea, Iraq, and Jordan show strong performance, while other teams like Australia and Saudi Arabia seek to improve.
The current standings highlight the competition: in Group A, Iran leads with 16 points, followed by Uzbekistan at 13. South Korea tops Group B with 14 points, while Japan leads Group C with 16 points. As qualifications progress, results will continue to update standings and reveal which teams will realize their World Cup aspirations.
The AFC encourages continuous updates on the games and standings, as nations strive to transform their World Cup dreams into reality. Follow the journey from the early stages through to final results, enjoying the thrill of international football and the spirit of competition over the next few years.
Original Source: www.nbcsports.com
