Will the 'Asian Tigers' have what it takes to roar at the 2026 World Cup?

For the first time in history, Asia has nine representatives at the World Cup, featuring the strongest and most diverse teams ever. Can they spring a surprise at the 2026 World Cup?

Japan is the most anticipated Asian team at the 2026 World Cup - Photo: Reuters

In the 96-year history of the World Cup, Asian teams have only advanced deep into the tournament twice. The first was North Korea in 1966 when the tournament featured only 16 teams. The second was South Korea's incredible run to the semi-finals in 2002.

At that time, South Korea, as co-hosts with Japan, created a famous shock by eliminating Italy and Spain to advance to the semi-finals. That was when the "golden goal" rule still existed. Since then, no Asian team has reached the quarter-finals, even though the level of football in the continent has come closer to the world .

But with the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Asia has nine representatives: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, and Iraq. Could this be the moment for the continent to make its next breakthrough?

More teams, more opportunities?

Paul Williams, producer and host of The Asian Games podcast, said that the expanded 48-team format and the fact that some third-placed teams can also qualify for the next round will give Asian teams a better chance to advance from the group stage.

He predicted that at least "five or six countries" from Asia would make it to the knockout stage. He said, "No Asian country has reached the quarter-finals since 2002. So I think if one or two countries get that far, it would already be a success."

Former Japan Times reporter Dan Orlowitz also optimistically stated: "I think the top Asian teams have enough depth to reach the round of 16. But this tournament has so many unique elements that it's hard to say whether that will be enough. In my opinion, Asian football's chances will still depend on teams like Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, and possibly Saudi Arabia."

Top Asian candidates

Son Heung-min will have his last World Cup with the South Korean national team - Photo: ST

South Korea will be led by captain Son Heung-min at what could be his last World Cup, having turned 34. They are in Group A along with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.

Despite South Korea's rather poor performance in friendly matches leading up to the tournament, television analyst Kim Dae-gil remains optimistic.

He told the Korean Times: "I think South Korea will at least make it to the round of 16. Just looking at the opponents in the group stage, South Korea won't have to expend as much energy as in some previous tournaments. We can beat the Czech Republic and South Africa. And if we get through the group stage as the number 1 or number 2 seed, then we will face an easy opponent in the next round."

Australia, drawn in Group D with the USA, Paraguay, and Türkiye, will rely on a defensive style of play under coach Tony Popovic. Experts believe Australia will bring many talented young players along with some experienced ones to the tournament. They are expected to spring a surprise.

But no team carried more expectations or inspired more confidence in Asian fans than the Japanese national team. The Samurai had achieved an impressive run of results on their way to the World Cup, with historic victories in friendly matches against England and Brazil.

And while Japanese fans still yearn for a top-eight finish for the first time in history, their team is aiming higher. Japan's coach, Hajime Moriyasu, believes his team can win the World Cup, despite the absence of Kaoru Mitoma due to a hamstring injury.

Japanese football expert Yuki Kobayashi highly rates the current strength of the Japanese national team, noting that most of its members are playing important roles for clubs in Europe.

Kobayashi commented: "Playing in Europe is very advantageous because, tactically, physically, mentally, everything is different, so you go into the World Cup in very good form. And they have beaten strong teams like Brazil and England recently. Of course, the Japanese team has a chance to reach the quarterfinals or even further if luck is on their side."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ho-chau-a-co-du-suc-gam-vang-tai-world-cup-2026-20260603162437525.htm