Kuala Lumpur, Oct 3 (IANS): Only six Asian sides remain in contention for a spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoffs Group Stage is set to kick off on Wednesday.
The teams are divided into two groups: Group A features Qatar, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. Only the winner of each group will earn a direct berth to the World Cup, while the runners-up will face off in a two-legged playoff on November 13 and 18. The winner of that stage will advance to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, competing against teams from other confederations for one of two final spots.
Oman is aiming for a historic first FIFA World Cup appearance. Indonesia, Iraq, and the UAE are seeking a second appearance each, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia are targeting consecutive qualifications.
The opening matchday begins at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with Group A’s clash between Oman (FIFA Rank: 78) and Qatar (53) on October 8. Oman, making their 10th Qualifiers attempt, will draw confidence from a 2-1 Gulf Cup victory over Qatar in December 2024—their first win against the Gulf champions in 11 matches since September 2009. Qatar, the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, will aim for a strong start at home as they seek a second World Cup appearance.
Group A continues on October 11, when UAE (67) take on Oman, following a 1-1 draw between the two in the Gulf Cup last December. The UAE, participating in their 11th Qualifiers, are eager to return to the World Cup for the first time since their 1990 debut.
Group B matches will be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Indonesia (119), the only team from Round 1 to reach this stage, face Saudi Arabia (59) on October 8 at 8:15 pm. Indonesia’s only prior World Cup appearance was as the Dutch East Indies in 1938. After drawing and then defeating Saudi Arabia in earlier qualifiers, Indonesia will look to continue their historic run, while Saudi Arabia aims to bounce back for a third consecutive World Cup qualification and seventh overall.
On October 11, Iraq (58) take on Indonesia at 10:30 pm. Iraq, seeking a second World Cup appearance since 1986, have a strong record against Indonesia, winning all eight of their previous encounters, including both second-round group stage meetings in the current qualifiers.
The Playoffs conclude on October 14 with Group A’s Qatar vs UAE and Group B’s Saudi Arabia vs Iraq fixtures.
