Jordan, Uzbekistan Make World Cup Debut; South Korea’s 11th

Three more Asian nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup with Jordan and Uzbekistan securing slots in the finals for the first time in their history.

South Korea also made sure of their place to make it an 11th successive qualification.

After 11 match days they join already qualified Iran and Japan.

Uzbekistan clinched their place with a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates. UAE and Qatar go to the round 4 group play-offs where two groups of three will see two further 2026 slots decided.

Jordan, who were the surprise runners-up at the Asian Cup in 2024, have maintained their form to now qualify for a maiden World Cup. They beat Oman 3-0 and were then helped into the finals by South Korea’s 2-0 win over Iraq.

Iraq head into the round 4 group play-offs Iraq, with either Palestine – who beat Kuwait 2-0 – or Oman to take the second place. They play that decider in the final round of group matches on Tuesday.

In Group C Australia are favourites to join already qualified Japan after beating them 1-0 in Perth. They are now three points ahead of Saudi Arabia – who beat Bahrain 2-0 – who they meet on Tuesday.

Saudi need to win by four clear goals to qualify this round. Otherwise they will go into the fourth round of group qualifying with Group C fourth placed nation Indonesia, who beat China 1-0.

The winners of the two groups in the fourth round will qualify for 2026 while the two runners up will play-off for a slot in the inter-continental play-offs.

Insideworldfootball.com