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South Korea and Australia Close to 2026 World Cup Qualification in Asia's Final Qualifying Phase

Decisive fixtures this week could confirm Asia’s final World Cup qualifiers ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group D - Australia v Denmark - Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah, Qatar - November 30, 2022 Australia's Milos Degenek celebrates after qualifying for the knockout stages REUTERS/John Sibley/File Photo
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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 General view of the World Cup trophy during the closing ceremony before the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo

Overview

  • South Korea can secure automatic qualification with a draw against Iraq in Basra, thanks to a three-point lead in Group B with two games to play.
  • Australia stands to seal its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance if it beats Japan in Perth, although its fate may hinge on Saudi Arabia’s result against Bahrain.
  • Indonesia must overcome China at home and then earn a favorable result against a young Japan side to maintain a chance at finishing in the top two.
  • Uzbekistan needs only a draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi to clinch second place in Group A and reach its first World Cup.
  • With Asia allotted eight direct berths in the expanded tournament, third- and fourth-place teams will enter an additional qualifying round for the remaining spots.