Overview

• The Asian Football Confederation conducted the draw on July 17 to set up the final qualifying groups in Kuala Lumpur.
• Saudi Arabia will host Group A, beginning with an Oct. 8 match against Indonesia and concluding with a showdown against Iraq on Oct. 14.
• Qatar will anchor Group B, facing Oman on Oct. 8 before the United Arab Emirates meet Oman on Oct. 11 and Qatar on Oct. 14.
• Group winners secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico alongside six other Asian teams.
• Runners-up will contest two-legged playoffs in November for a chance to advance to an intercontinental playoff in March for a ninth berth.