Latest Asian World Cup 2026 qualifying rankings

Table A:

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Table B:

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Table C:

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The 2026 World Cup qualifying format for Asia has been officially announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), with a total of 8.5 places to participate in the 2026 World Cup Finals (8 direct places and 1 intercontinental play-off place). This is a significant increase compared to previous World Cups, reflecting the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams.

The Asian regional qualifiers take place through the following main stages:

  1. First qualifying round:

    • Consists of the 20 lowest ranked teams in the region (from 27 to 46 according to the FIFA rankings).
    • The teams are drawn into 10 pairs, playing home and away (two legs).
    • The 10 winning teams will advance to the Second Qualifying Round.

  2. Second qualifying round:

    • Consisting of 36 teams (26 highest ranked teams get direct entry and 10 winners from the First Qualifying Round).
    • The teams are divided into 9 groups of 4 teams each.
    • Teams play a double round robin (home and away).
    • The 18 teams finishing first and second in each group will advance to the Third Qualifying Round and also qualify directly for the 2027 Asian Cup Finals.

  3. Third qualifying round:

    • Including 18 teams that passed the Second Qualifying Round.
    • The teams are divided into 3 groups of 6 teams each .
    • Teams play a double round robin (home and away).
    • The 6 teams finishing first and second in each group (6 teams in total) will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup .
    • The 6 third and fourth placed teams in each group (6 teams in total) will advance to the Fourth Qualifying Round (Asian Play-offs).

  4. Fourth qualifying round (Asian play-offs):

    • Consists of 6 teams from the Third Qualifying Round.
    • These 6 teams are divided into 2 groups of 3 teams each .
    • Teams will compete in a round robin at a centralized location (expected in October-November 2025).
    • The top 2 teams in each group (2 teams in total) will directly win additional tickets to the 2026 World Cup Finals .
    • The two runners-up in each group (2 teams in total) will advance to the Fifth Qualifying Round.

  5. Fifth qualifying round (Final Asian Play-off):

    • Consists of 2 runners-up from the Fourth Qualifying Round.
    • These two teams play a two-legged play-off (home and away).
    • The winner will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for the final spot at the 2026 World Cup.

With this format, Asian teams have more opportunities to participate in the biggest football festival on the planet.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bang-xep-hang-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-khu-vuc-chau-a-moi-nhat-2384260.html