How is the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia?

After 8 matches in the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, only 2 teams have won tickets to the final round. The remaining 4 official tickets will be determined after the last two matches taking place today, June 5 and early morning, June 6.

Uzbekistan has a great opportunity to win a ticket to the World Cup for the first time in history - Photo: AFC

The 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia has the participation of 18 teams, divided into 3 groups, each group has 6 teams. The teams compete in a round-robin (home and away) to choose the top 2 teams in each group, to directly qualify for the final round.

The third and fourth-placed teams from each group advance to the playoffs, where six teams will compete for two more spots to North America next summer.

Group A: Iran wins ticket, Uzbekistan waits for historic moment

Group A standings after 8 rounds. Iran has secured a ticket, Uzbekistan is likely to follow - Screenshot

In Group A, Iran, with 20 points after 8 matches, has secured one of the top two spots, thereby securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Ranked second in Group A is Uzbekistan with 17 points, 4 points more than the third-placed UAE, and 7 points more than the fourth-placed Qatar. With this gap, Uzbekistan is holding a big advantage in the race for a ticket to the World Cup.

In the 9th match, Uzbekistan will face UAE directly on the away field. If they only draw with UAE, Uzbekistan will soon complete their goal of participating in the World Cup. Although they have to play away from home, with the current strength of both teams, Uzbekistan is capable of winning at least 1 point against UAE.

Uzbekistan have never qualified for a World Cup before and if they make it to North America next summer, it will be history.

Prediction: Uzbekistan to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with Iran, UAE and Qatar in the play-off round.

Group B: South Korea need 1 more point; Jordan has advantage

Group B rankings after round 8. Korea and Jordan temporarily lead - Screenshot

In Group B, the Korean team is leading with 16 points after 8 matches, 4 points more than the second-placed Jordan. Since Iraq and Jordan are still facing each other directly, the Korean team only needs 1 point in the remaining 2 matches to get a ticket to North America.

In the 9th match, Korea will face Iraq away. Son Heung Min and his teammates of course want to complete the goal early. With superior strength, the goal of winning at least 1 point against Korea is very feasible.

In another notable match, Jordan will face Oman. If they defeat Oman and Iraq loses to South Korea, Jordan will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This is very likely because Jordan has quite impressive form and South Korea is much stronger than Iraq.

Oman and Iraq will then have to be satisfied with play-off spots.

Prediction: South Korea and Jordan to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; Iraq and Oman to advance to the play-off round.

Group C: Japan has a ticket, Australia competes with Saudi Arabia

Group C standings after 8 matches. Japan has won the first direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup - Screenshot

In Group C, Japan has already secured a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup with 20 points after 8 matches. Australia has 13 points, temporarily ranked 2nd. Saudi Arabia (10 points) is ranked 3rd, 1 point more than the 4th ranked team, Indonesia.

Thus, the competition for second place in Group C will take place between three teams: Australia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. In the 9th match, Australia will face Japan at home. The Socceroos cannot afford to lose this match because if that happens, they will be at a disadvantage when facing Saudi Arabia in the final match.

Saudi Arabia will face Bahrain in this round and are likely to win. That would put Saudi Arabia level on points with Australia (if the Socceroos lose to Japan). A point against Japan would give Australia the advantage of only needing a draw with Saudi Arabia in the final round to secure a World Cup spot.

Indonesia, meanwhile, is in a much more difficult position. With nine points, Indonesia must win its remaining two games (against China and Japan) and hope that Australia and Saudi Arabia do not fare well in order to qualify for the World Cup. Indonesia should probably be content with a place in the play-offs.

Prediction: Australia to join Japan in World Cup; Saudi Arabia and Indonesia to play-offs.

In the play-off round, the 6 third and fourth-placed teams from the 3 groups will be divided into 2 groups (3 teams each). The teams will play a round-robin (home and away) to select the 2 group winners to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The 2 second-placed teams from the 2 groups will play a play-off (home and away) to select the team representing Asia to compete in the intercontinental play-off. The winner of the intercontinental play-off will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tinh-hinh-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-khu-vuc-chau-a-ra-sao-20250604221659844.htm