Overview

• Two three-team mini-groups play single round-robins this week, with group winners qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup.
• Runners-up will meet in a two-legged tie in November for a route to an intercontinental playoff.
• Indonesia opens Group B against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Oct. 8 before facing Iraq, led by coach Patrick Kluivert and a wave of Dutch-born naturalised players.
• Saudi Arabia enter as Group B favorites under returning coach Herve Renard, who guided their 2022 upset of Argentina.
• Group A in Doha features Qatar, the UAE and Oman, with Qatar under new coach Julen Lopetegui and an opening match against Oman; six Asian teams are already through: Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran, Jordan and Australia.