Qatar, the reigning champions of the AFC Asian Cup, sailed through the second round of the qualifiers with five wins and a draw, finishing on top of Group A. Star striker Almoez Ali was instrumental in their success, scoring seven goals. With their recent success, they are expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming rounds.
Japan had a flawless record in the second round, winning all six games and scoring an impressive 24 goals without conceding any. Coach Hajime Moriyasu even experimented with a new formation in their final qualifier, showcasing their depth and versatility. Having already secured their spot, Japan will be a team to watch in the third round.
Australia also had a dominant performance in the second round, scoring 22 goals and not conceding any. Despite facing tough competition, the Socceroos showed their strength and consistency. With a solid foundation and momentum on their side, Australia is poised to make a strong push for qualification.
Iran, a regular contender in the World Cup, finished their second-round campaign unbeaten, securing a top-two finish in Group E. While they have a strong history in the tournament, Iran will be looking to go further and make a statement in the upcoming qualifiers.
South Korea, led by star player Son Heung-Min, had an impressive run in the second round, with notable wins over China and Singapore. Despite a minor setback, South Korea’s attacking prowess and defensive stability make them a formidable team in the qualifiers.
Despite finishing as runners-up in Group G, Saudi Arabia’s consistent performance throughout the second round earns them a spot in the third round. With the challenge of facing powerhouses like Japan and Australia, Saudi Arabia will need to bring their A-game to secure a place in the World Cup.
After making it to the third round for the first time, Indonesia is looking to capitalize on their recent success. With back-to-back wins over Vietnam, Indonesia showed resilience and determination. As underdogs in the competition, Indonesia will be looking to make a name for themselves in the upcoming rounds.
Despite facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine managed to advance to the third round, finishing ahead of Lebanon. Their achievement is commendable, considering the circumstances they had to overcome. With a strong sense of unity and purpose, Palestine will be aiming to make a mark in the qualifiers.
The third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a highly competitive and thrilling affair. With several strong contenders vying for a spot in the tournament, the stakes are high for each team. As the qualifying rounds progress, it will be interesting to see which countries rise to the occasion and secure their place in the prestigious World Cup event.