According to the rules given by AFC official website, there will be 45 teams in Asia, and the competition will be divided into four stages. In the first stage, the team ranked last in the world 18 will draw two rounds of home and away games. The nine winning teams will enter the second stage and compete with the top 27 teams in Asia in the top 36. Team one will be divided into nine groups, each with four teams. After the home and away games, they will be in front of the group.
The third stage is the most crucial competition, that is, the previous 12 tournament has become a 18 tournament, and the teams of 18 are divided into three groups with 6 teams in each group. After the home and away games, the top two in the group directly advanced to the 2026 World Cup.
At this stage, the six teams ranked third and fourth in the group entered the fourth stage, and the six teams were divided into two groups, with three teams in each group playing a single round. The first team in the group directly advanced to the 2026 World Cup, and the second two teams decided the winner through play-offs. The winning team represented Asia in the World Cup Intercontinental Play-offs, and finally decided on 8.5 qualifying places.
Popular teams in 2026 Asian World Cup qualifiers
1, Iran: Iran is a traditional strong team in Asian football, which is famous for its excellent defense and tight attack organization. In the past few World Cup Asian qualifiers, Iran has always performed well and often scored goals at key moments. Their players have excellent technical and physical qualities and can cope with all kinds of challenges.
2. Japan: Japan is another strong team in Asian football. They are famous for their excellent skills and quick counterattacks. Japanese football has made great progress in the past few years, and they have successfully entered many World Cup finals. Japan will once again become one of the popular teams in the Asian World Cup qualifiers in 2026. Their players have excellent technical and physical qualities and can create amazing moments in the game.
3. South Korea: South Korea is an old-fashioned powerhouse in Asian football. They are famous for their excellent skills and teamwork. In the past few World Cup Asian qualifiers, South Korea has always performed well and reached the finals many times. Their players have excellent technical and physical qualities and can cope with all kinds of challenges.
4. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is a traditional strong team in Asian football. They are famous for their excellent skills and quick attack. In the past few World Cup Asian qualifiers, Saudi Arabia has always performed well and reached the finals many times. Their players have excellent technical and physical qualities and can cope with all kinds of challenges.