Qatar, the current dominant force in Asian football after winning the past two AFC Asian Cup editions, breezed through the second round of qualifiers. Star striker Almoez Ali led the charge, finishing as the joint-top scorer with seven goals. The Qatari team looks poised to continue their strong performance in the third round.
Kuwait, who were barred from the 2018 World Cup due to a FIFA suspension, have made a strong comeback. Despite starting the final second-round qualifier at the bottom of their group, a crucial 1-0 victory over Afghanistan saw them through to the next round. Kuwait will be looking to make a mark in the upcoming matches.
Japan displayed an impressive performance in the second round, securing six wins and scoring 24 goals without conceding any. Coach Hajime Moriyasu even experimented with tactics in their matches, showing the depth of talent in the squad. Japan looks like a strong contender for the World Cup.
North Korea managed to advance to the third round despite forfeiting a home tie against Japan. They secured a crucial 1-0 win over Syria in their penultimate second-round match, showing determination and skill. North Korea will be a team to watch in the upcoming qualifiers.
South Korea missed out on a perfect record in the second round but still displayed formidable performance. Star players like Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-In led the team to impressive victories. With a strong lineup, South Korea is expected to continue their winning streak in the third round.
China faced challenges in the second round, with their only wins coming against lower-ranked teams. They scraped through to the next round based on a superior head-to-head record. China will need to step up their game in the upcoming matches to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Oman faced tough competition in the qualifiers, finishing on top of their group with only a three-point margin. The team showed resilience and determination to secure their spot in the third round. Oman will need to maintain their momentum to qualify for the World Cup.
Kyrgyz Republic claimed the second qualifying spot in a tightly contested group after a draw with Oman. With a superior goal difference, they managed to edge past their rivals. Kyrgyz Republic will be looking to continue their strong finish in the upcoming qualifiers.
Iran and Uzbekistan secured their spots in the third round early on in the qualifiers. Both teams will be among the leading contenders in the upcoming matches, with Iran aiming to continue their World Cup streak. Uzbekistan, despite never qualifying before, looks poised to make a strong challenge.
Iraq finished with a perfect 18-point haul in Group F, establishing themselves as clear favorites early on. The team looks strong and determined to make a mark in the upcoming qualifiers. Iraq will be a team to watch in the third round.
Indonesia advanced to the third round for the first time, showcasing their potential in the qualifiers. With some key wins over regional rivals, Indonesia looks set to continue their historic progress in the upcoming matches.
Jordan, after a remarkable run in the Asian Cup, advanced to the third round as Group G winners. The team displayed resilience and skill in their matches, surprising many with their performance. Jordan will be aiming to continue their impressive run in the qualifiers.
Saudi Arabia, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, faced a setback with a loss to Jordan. The team will need to regroup and focus on the upcoming matches, as they aim to secure their spot in the World Cup.
United Arab Emirates and Bahrain both displayed strong performances in the second round, claiming spots in the third round. With solid performances and key wins, both teams look set to make a mark in the upcoming qualifiers.
Australia impressed in the second round, racking up 22 goals and conceding none. The team looks strong and determined as they aim for World Cup qualification. Palestine, despite challenges, managed to secure a spot in the third round, showcasing their resilience and skill.
The third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an exciting and competitive journey for all the teams involved. With strong performances, surprising upsets, and historic progress, the road to the World Cup is paved with determination and skill. Fans can expect thrilling matches and fierce competition as the teams battle it out for a chance to represent Asia on the global stage.