Japan’s players take part in a training session in Monterrey, Mexico. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Asia will be represented by a record nine nations at football’s biggest tournament. The expanded 48-team format has increased the continent’s presence, with a mix of established powers and first-time qualifiers heading to North America.
Among the AFC representatives, Japan enter the 2026 World Cup as the AFC’s strongest team, backed by a talented squad and a strong recent World Cup record. Iran is widely considered Asia’s second-strongest side, with Republic of Korea close behind in third. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Jordan will both make their historic World Cup debuts after qualifying for the tournament for the first time.
Japan (FIFA world ranking 18th)
Japan head to the World Cup as Asia’s highest-ranked nation. The Samurai Blue dominated Group C in final qualifying, finishing first with 23 points to clinch an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Japan’s preparations ended on a winning note when Koki Ogawa’s 87th-minute header secured a 1-0 friendly victory over Iceland on May 31. At the finals, Japan will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden in group F.
Iran (Ranked 21st)
Iran once again showed why they are one of Asia’s most consistent teams. Team Melli topped Group A with 23 points to book a fourth straight World Cup berth and the nation’s seventh overall. The Iranians went into the tournament with confidence after a 3-1 win over Gambia on May 29 in Antalya. Iran will play in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
Republic of Korea (Ranked 25th)
Republic of Korea remained undefeated in qualifying, winning Group B with 22 points to extend its remarkable streak of consecutive World Cup appearances. The Koreans will be making a 12th overall final; 11th in a row. They capped their preparations with a commanding 5-0 friendly victory over Trinidad and Tobago on May 30. In the finals, Republic of Korea is drawn in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.
Australia (Ranked 27th)
Australia recovered from a poor start to finish second in Group C with 19 points, clinching an automatic place in its sixth straight World Cup. The Socceroos have become one of AFC’s most experienced teams and will compete in Group D with Turkiye, the United States and Paraguay. In their final warm-up, Australia fell narrowly 1-0 to hosts Mexico on May 30.
Uzbekistan (Ranked 50th)
Uzbekistan penned one of the great success stories of AFC qualifying by reaching the World Cup for the first time. The Central Asian side finished second in Group A with 21 points just two behind Iran to claim its first ever finals appearance. This historic achievement follows seven unsuccessful bids for qualification. The “White Wolves” wrapped up preparations with a 2-0 friendly loss to co-host Canada on June 1. In the finals, Uzbekistan will compete in Group K with Portugal, Congo DR, and Colombia.
Qatar (Ranked 55th)
The 2022 World Cup hosts will again appear on football’s biggest stage, but this time after qualifying on the pitch. Qatar finished fourth in Group A, then regrouped in the play-offs and won Play-off Group A by beating UAE 2-1, earning their first-ever World Cup qualification through competition. Al-Annabi most recently lost 1-0 to Republic of Ireland in a friendly on May 28, but will draw on their experience as they prepare to face co-host Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland in Group B.
Iraq (Ranked 57th)
Iraq takes the longest qualification route among the AFC teams. The Lions of Mesopotamia finished third in Group B and then advanced through the continental play-offs, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 intercontinental play-off win over Bolivia in March 2026. This marks Iraq’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Under coach Graham Arnold, Iraq enters Group I with France, Senegal, and Norway on a high after a 1-0 friendly win over Andorra on May 29.
Saudi Arabia (Ranked 61st)
Saudi Arabia comfortably sealed a World Cup spot by topping Play-off Group B in Round 4 of AFC qualifying. The Green Falcons had finished third in Group C but rebounded strongly to claim direct qualification, securing their seventh finals appearance. Saudi Arabia will compete in Group H alongside Spain, Cabo Verde and Uruguay. In a recent friendly, the Saudis fell 2-1 to Ecuador on May 30 as they finalised preparations.
Jordan (Ranked 63rd)
Jordan rounds out Asia’s representatives. The Al-Nashama enjoyed a sensational qualifying run, finishing second in Group B with 16 points to clinch the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance. This historic achievement is the biggest in Jordanian football history.
The debutants faced a tough tune-up on May 31, losing 4-1 to Switzerland, but they will take confidence from how far they have come. Jordan will play in Group J with Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.
The qualification of nine AFC nations for 2026 reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of Asian football. Experienced sides such as Japan, Iran, Republic of Korea, and Australia will look to lead the charge, while new qualifiers like Uzbekistan and Jordan bring fresh intrigue. Together, they form Asia’s largest-ever contingent at a World Cup, ready to prove they can compete with the sport’s elite.
