Qatar has emerged as the dominant force in the Asian qualifiers after winning the past two editions of the AFC Asian Cup. They finished the second round with five wins and a draw, topping Group A comfortably. Star striker Almoez Ali impressed with seven goals, despite missing the final two games.
Kuwait, who were barred from the 2018 World Cup, made an impressive comeback by finishing second in Group A. They secured their spot in the final round with a crucial 1-0 win over Afghanistan on the final day of the qualifiers.
Japan had a flawless record in the second round with six wins and 24 goals scored in Group B. Coach Hajime Moriyasu even experimented with a new formation in a 5-0 win over Syria.
North Korea advanced to the next round despite forfeiting a home tie and a 3-0 walkover. They secured a crucial 1-0 win over Syria to climb into second spot in their group.
South Korea showcased their strength with impressive wins over China and Singapore in Group C. Son Heung-Min led the team with seven goals, raising expectations for their performance in the final round.
China had a tough journey in the qualifiers, with their only wins coming against Singapore. They scraped through to the final round based on a superior head-to-head record against Thailand.
Oman topped Group D in a tightly contested group, finishing just three points ahead of third-placed Malaysia.
Kyrgyz Republic secured the second qualifying spot in Group D with a 1-1 draw against Oman on the final day. They maintained control of their group with a superior goal difference.
Iran, a regular at the World Cup, finished the second round in Group E unbeaten. Their draws with Uzbekistan raised some concerns, despite securing a top-two finish.
Despite never qualifying for the World Cup, Uzbekistan showed promise in the qualifiers with two draws against Iran. Their consistent performance makes them strong contenders for the final round.
Iraq emerged as clear favorites in Group F, finishing with a perfect 18-point haul. After a sole World Cup appearance in 1986, Iraq looks set for a strong performance this time.
Indonesia made it to the third round for the first time, beating Vietnam to secure the spot. The Southeast Asian battle for qualification was intense, but Indonesia came out on top.
Jordan continued their successful run after the Asian Cup final by winning Group G in the qualifiers. Their impressive victory over Saudi Arabia solidified their spot in the final round.
Saudi Arabia finished as runners-up in Group G despite aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance. Their loss to Jordan might impact their seeding for the final round.
United Arab Emirates performed well in Group H, collecting 16 points from a possible 18. Their consistent performance makes them likely beneficiaries of the tournament’s expansion.
Bahrain secured a spot in the final round alongside UAE in Group H. Despite minor hiccups, including a draw with Yemen, Bahrain progressed comfortably.
Australia’s strong performance in the second round showcased their dominance, with 22 goals scored and none conceded. Their victory over Lebanon and Palestine was particularly impressive.
Despite challenges in hosting home games, Palestine managed to advance to the final round. Their achievement, finishing above Lebanon, was a remarkable feat considering the circumstances.
This comprehensive overview of the second round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlights the diverse performances of the participating teams, setting the stage for an exciting final round of competition.