The penultimate round of Asian 2026 World Cup qualifying sees several key matches on Tuesday, with Iran on the brink of joining Japan in securing a place at the tournament. South Korea, meanwhile, will be looking to solidify their position after a series of unconvincing performances.
Group A: Iran Close to Qualification
Iran host Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, needing only a draw to confirm their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. Iran lead Uzbekistan by three points and hold a significant nine-point advantage over third-placed United Arab Emirates with three matches remaining. The two teams have drawn against each other thrice.
Asian champions Qatar face Kyrgyzstan, while the UAE play North Korea. Both teams need wins to keep their slim automatic qualification hopes alive, though they are increasingly likely to progress to the fourth round of qualifying.
Group B: South Korea Under Pressure, Jordan Seek to Capitalize
South Korea, despite leading Group B, have struggled for consistency. They host Jordan in Suwon, in a rematch of last year’s Asian Cup semi-final, which Jordan won. Jordan are three points behind South Korea, and a victory would significantly boost their chances of automatic qualification.
Iraq, level on points with Jordan, face Palestine after a dramatic late comeback to draw with Kuwait last week. Kuwait host fourth-placed Oman.
Group C: Five-Way Battle Intensifies
Japan’s victory over Bahrain on Thursday confirmed their qualification, leaving five nations vying for the remaining automatic berth in Group C. Second-placed Australia travel to Hangzhou to face China, with only four points separating the Socceroos from their hosts, who are currently in last place.
Indonesia, after a 5-1 thrashing by Australia in Patrick Kluivert’s debut as coach, host Bahrain in Jakarta, needing a victory to keep their slim hopes alive. Their only World Cup appearance was in 1938.
Saudi Arabia, who beat China 1-0 on Thursday to claim their first win in 5 qualifiers, faces already qualified, Japan.
Qualification Format
The top two teams from each of the three groups in this third phase of Asian qualifying advance directly to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The third- and fourth-placed teams will progress to a fourth round of qualifiers in October, with further opportunities to qualify via inter-continental playoffs. Tuesday’s matches represent a crucial stage in the race for World Cup berths.
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