Qatar Drawn With Top Seed Iran, Uzbekistan In Group A

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Twice Asian champions Qatar were drawn alongside Iran in Group A on Thursday as teams from the continent learned their path to the FIFA World Cup 2026 following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 26 Preliminary Draw – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road To 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 18 teams were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed berths and a possible additional spot via a playoff available for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia and Palestine are making their debuts at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. Group A will see top seeds Iran challenged by reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyz Republic and DPR Korea.
Iran are seeking their sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei, soon after the draw, said,“If you look at our group, it's not easy, we have UAE and Qatar but if you look at our results from the previous round, (it gives us confidence) to qualify.”
Former five-time World Cupper Australian Tim Cahill who is the Qatar Technical Director now, said,“We always have to believe there is a chance. Now we know who we are going to play, and what it comes down to is the preparation, logistics, and making sure the squad is ready mentally and physically. This is a different stage for us, and it will involve travelling and visiting many countries. It will be difficult, but we have to play.”
On the other side, South Korea, led by Tottenham striker Son Heung-min, will be favourites to reach an 11th consecutive World Cup having made ten consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances since 1986. They lead the Group B cast with Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait also in the hunt for the two automatic spots to the Finals.
South Korea's Technical Director Lim Saeng-lee said,“We are aware of each team's abilities and every game will be tough but we will try our best to achieve our target (of reaching the World Cup).”
Khalil Gharios, Jordan Team Administrator, stressed their team will do all what it takes.“The team is prepared, we will do everything that is needed for us to reach the World Cup and like I said, obviously, it is not going to be easy. There's a lot of respect for all the teams but I am sure we will make it there,” he said.
Heading Group C will be Japan, who are seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the eighth consecutive time. Standing in their way will be Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China and Indonesia. Masakuni Yamamoto, Japan's National Team Director, termed the group as a challenging one.“We have been drawn into a very difficult and challenging group. We have matches against those who have experienced the World Cup in the past, but also in places with a climate difference and transportation challenges. We have to ensure the best preparations for our players. There are many challenges,” he said.
Australia's head coach Graham Arnold, said,“I believe we've gotten stronger as a team. In the last campaign we didn't have the depth in the team that we have today. A lot of people are sitting back and thinking that there are eight-and-a-half teams potentially going to be qualifying and that it's going to be easier, but the draw has shown today that there's three tough groups.”
The top two finishers from the three groups will confirm their places at the FIFA World Cup 2026 while the third and fourth-placed teams from each group – six in total – will progress to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff, to be contested in two groups of three teams in a single round robin format, with both group winners qualifying for the global showpiece.
The two second-placed finishers from the Playoff will face off in a home and away tie to earn the right to reach the Intercontinental Playoff and vie for the final available berth. With Asia assured of eight spots and a possible ninth through a playoff, the action promises to be exciting. The AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 will kick off on September 5 with the final round of matches scheduled for June 10, 2025.

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