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Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Host Asia’s Final 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The AFC will hold the draw on July 17 to allocate six teams into two groups for October’s centralised playoff series.

The New York/New Jersey's FIFA World Cup 2026 logo is revealed during the kickoff event in Times Square in New York City, U.S., May 18, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
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FIFA World Cup 2026

Overview

  • Thirteen of the 48 tournament berths are filled, highlighted by Brazil’s 1-0 win over Paraguay that secured their place.
  • Saudi Arabia and Qatar won the rights to host the fourth round of AFC qualifiers from October 8 to 14.
  • Six nations—Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—will learn their groupings at the July 17 draw.
  • Group winners will claim two remaining Asian spots while runners-up advance to a November playoff for intercontinental qualification.
  • The complete World Cup lineup won’t be confirmed until March 31, 2026, after all confederation and intercontinental playoffs conclude.