8 Asian teams won tickets to the 2026 World Cup

In March, Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, outside of the host nation. This will be the eighth consecutive World Cup that the country has participated in since 1998.

After a 2-0 victory over Iraq in June, South Korea also won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The Korean team continued to demonstrate the class and mettle of one of the continent's leading giants.

Iran is participating in the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time since 2014. However, this country has never passed the group stage in previous tournaments.

A 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in June secured Australia a place in the 2026 World Cup. This was the 7th time the kangaroo country has competed on the biggest football stage on the planet.

Uzbekistan created a stir when they qualified for the 2026 World Cup for the first time. This team presented a cohesive, disciplined team with its own identity instead of depending on individual stars.

Like Uzbekistan, Jordan also made their first appearance at the World Cup. The West Asian team transformed from a mid-level team, often playing defensively and taking advantage of home field advantage, into a new force in Asia.

On the morning of October 15, Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Iraq, thereby winning a ticket to the World Cup for the third consecutive time, after 2018 and 2022.

Also in this match, Qatar defeated UAE 2-1 and won the right to participate in the 2026 World Cup. After the 2022 World Cup held at home, Qatar hopes to create a surprise in next year's tournament.