2026 World Cup - Asian qualifiers
Standings after matchday 3
Update on Korea DPR v Japan World Cup qualifying match
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... afc-update
Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers confirm fixture will not be played or rescheduled.
After the Korea DPR FA had announced that Pyongyang could no longer host its qualifying match against Japan scheduled for 26 March, the matter was referred to the Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
In the absence of an alternative home venue confirmed by the DPRK FA and the lack of space in the calendar to postpone this game, the Bureau decided that the qualifying fixture shall neither be played nor rescheduled.
In addition, the matter and match outcome will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tourna ... afc-update
Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers confirm fixture will not be played or rescheduled.
After the Korea DPR FA had announced that Pyongyang could no longer host its qualifying match against Japan scheduled for 26 March, the matter was referred to the Bureau for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
In the absence of an alternative home venue confirmed by the DPRK FA and the lack of space in the calendar to postpone this game, the Bureau decided that the qualifying fixture shall neither be played nor rescheduled.
In addition, the matter and match outcome will be referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Matchday 4: How the Groups stand
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... stand.html
Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Four of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ promises to be an exciting affair with 17 matches scheduled.
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying. The-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand ahead of Tuesday's matches.
Group A
Kuwait will do their best to stop them but Qatar will confirm a top-two finish in Group A with victory at the Sabah Al Salem Stadium.
The two-time AFC Asian Cup winners, however, can expect stiff resistance from a Kuwait side who desperately need three points to stay on track.
Third in the standings, Kuwait are a point adrift of India, who also need a win against Afghanistan after being held to a goalless draw by the Central Asian side on Thursday.
Kuwait v Qatar
Venue: Sabah Al Salem Stadium (Kuwait City)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
India v Afghanistan
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Guwahati)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+5:30)
Group B
Syria will aim to further strengthen their grip on the Group B second place when they meet Myanmar at the neutral venue of Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium.
Myanmar got their first point of the campaign after a 1-1 draw with their West Asian opponents on Thursday and having led for a long period, the Southeast Asian side will not be lacking in confidence.
The DPR Korea-Japan match will not be played with its status to be decided by the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.
Syria v Myanmar
Venue: Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium (Dammam)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group C
Korea Republic's unexpected 1-1 draw with Thailand means there is all to play for in Group C.
Thailand will aim to go one better when they host Son Heung-min and his teammates at the Rajamangala Stadium while China PR will be desperate for maximum points against Singapore after settling for a 2-2 draw with the Southeast Asian side after having led by two goals on Thursday.
China PR v Singapore
Venue: Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium (Tianjin)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+8)
Thailand v Korea Republic
Venue: Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:30 (UTC+7)
Group D
Malaysia kicked off their Matchday Three tie against Oman top of the standings and ended it in third after a 2-0 defeat, meaning victory is a must against their West Asian opponents on Tuesday.
Kyrgyz Republic, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of completing the double against Chinese Taipei, with the Central Asian side seeking a third consecutive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup Finals.
Malaysia v Oman
Venue: Bukit Jalil National Stadium (Kuala Lumpur)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+8)
Kyrgyz Republic v Chinese Taipei
Venue: Dolen Okurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+6)
Group E
Victories for Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan will confirm their places in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.
Iran, having defeated Turkmenistan 5-0 at the Azadi Stadium on Thursday, will be confident of another victory while Uzbekistan will expect the same against Hong Kong, China, having beaten the East Asian side 2-0 away.
Uzbekistan v Hong Kong, China
Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium (Tashkent)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:30 (UTC+5)
Turkmenistan v IR Iran
Venue: Multi-Functional Stdium (Ashgabat)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+5)
Group F
Iraq are another team who need a win to confirm progression after notching three victories from as many matches.
They face a Philippines side desperate for a win after collecting only one point so far while Vietnam will eye revenge after losing 1-0 to Indonesia on Thursday, a result which left them a point adrift of their Southeast Asian rivals.
Philippines v Iraq
Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium (Manila)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+8)
Vietnam v Indonesia
Venue: My Dinh National Stadium (Hanoi)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+7)
Group G
Saudi Arabia will also confirm their place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with victory over Tajikistan.
The Central Asian side, however, will be powered by their fans in their bid to add to the four points already collected.
AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 runners-up Jordan will be looking to leapfrog Tajikistan into second place with victory against Pakistan.
Tajikistan v Saudi Arabia
Venue: Central Republican Stadium (Dushanbe)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+5)
Jordan v Pakistan
Venue: Amman International Stadium (Amman)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group H
UAE will look to get the job done with two matches to spare when they Yemen, with victory assuring them a top two finish.
Victory for Bahrain against Nepal will also leave them well placed to advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and book their spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Yemen v UAE
Venue: Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium (Khobar)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Bahrain v Nepal
Venue: Bahrain National Stadium (Riffa)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group I
Australia will also be expected to confirm their spots, needing a win against Lebanon on Tuesday.
Victory for Australia will leave Lebanon hanging precariously, with Palestine holding a two-point advantage over them.
Palestine will be determined to not slip up against Bangladesh, having defeated the South Asian side 5-0 on Thursday.
Lebanon v Australia
Venue: Gio Stadium Canberra (Canberra)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:45 (UTC+10)
Bangladesh v Palestine
Venue: Bashundhara Kings Arena (Dhaka)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 15:30 (UTC+6)
https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asi ... stand.html
Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Four of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ promises to be an exciting affair with 17 matches scheduled.
The nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
The other 18 teams from Round 2 will proceed directly to the third and final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifying. The-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand ahead of Tuesday's matches.
Group A
Kuwait will do their best to stop them but Qatar will confirm a top-two finish in Group A with victory at the Sabah Al Salem Stadium.
The two-time AFC Asian Cup winners, however, can expect stiff resistance from a Kuwait side who desperately need three points to stay on track.
Third in the standings, Kuwait are a point adrift of India, who also need a win against Afghanistan after being held to a goalless draw by the Central Asian side on Thursday.
Kuwait v Qatar
Venue: Sabah Al Salem Stadium (Kuwait City)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
India v Afghanistan
Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Guwahati)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+5:30)
Group B
Syria will aim to further strengthen their grip on the Group B second place when they meet Myanmar at the neutral venue of Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium.
Myanmar got their first point of the campaign after a 1-1 draw with their West Asian opponents on Thursday and having led for a long period, the Southeast Asian side will not be lacking in confidence.
The DPR Korea-Japan match will not be played with its status to be decided by the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.
Syria v Myanmar
Venue: Prince Mohamed Bin Fahd Stadium (Dammam)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group C
Korea Republic's unexpected 1-1 draw with Thailand means there is all to play for in Group C.
Thailand will aim to go one better when they host Son Heung-min and his teammates at the Rajamangala Stadium while China PR will be desperate for maximum points against Singapore after settling for a 2-2 draw with the Southeast Asian side after having led by two goals on Thursday.
China PR v Singapore
Venue: Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium (Tianjin)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+8)
Thailand v Korea Republic
Venue: Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:30 (UTC+7)
Group D
Malaysia kicked off their Matchday Three tie against Oman top of the standings and ended it in third after a 2-0 defeat, meaning victory is a must against their West Asian opponents on Tuesday.
Kyrgyz Republic, meanwhile, will fancy their chances of completing the double against Chinese Taipei, with the Central Asian side seeking a third consecutive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup Finals.
Malaysia v Oman
Venue: Bukit Jalil National Stadium (Kuala Lumpur)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+8)
Kyrgyz Republic v Chinese Taipei
Venue: Dolen Okurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+6)
Group E
Victories for Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan will confirm their places in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.
Iran, having defeated Turkmenistan 5-0 at the Azadi Stadium on Thursday, will be confident of another victory while Uzbekistan will expect the same against Hong Kong, China, having beaten the East Asian side 2-0 away.
Uzbekistan v Hong Kong, China
Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium (Tashkent)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:30 (UTC+5)
Turkmenistan v IR Iran
Venue: Multi-Functional Stdium (Ashgabat)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+5)
Group F
Iraq are another team who need a win to confirm progression after notching three victories from as many matches.
They face a Philippines side desperate for a win after collecting only one point so far while Vietnam will eye revenge after losing 1-0 to Indonesia on Thursday, a result which left them a point adrift of their Southeast Asian rivals.
Philippines v Iraq
Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium (Manila)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+8)
Vietnam v Indonesia
Venue: My Dinh National Stadium (Hanoi)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+7)
Group G
Saudi Arabia will also confirm their place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with victory over Tajikistan.
The Central Asian side, however, will be powered by their fans in their bid to add to the four points already collected.
AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 runners-up Jordan will be looking to leapfrog Tajikistan into second place with victory against Pakistan.
Tajikistan v Saudi Arabia
Venue: Central Republican Stadium (Dushanbe)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 20:00 (UTC+5)
Jordan v Pakistan
Venue: Amman International Stadium (Amman)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group H
UAE will look to get the job done with two matches to spare when they Yemen, with victory assuring them a top two finish.
Victory for Bahrain against Nepal will also leave them well placed to advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and book their spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Yemen v UAE
Venue: Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium (Khobar)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Bahrain v Nepal
Venue: Bahrain National Stadium (Riffa)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 22:00 (UTC+3)
Group I
Australia will also be expected to confirm their spots, needing a win against Lebanon on Tuesday.
Victory for Australia will leave Lebanon hanging precariously, with Palestine holding a two-point advantage over them.
Palestine will be determined to not slip up against Bangladesh, having defeated the South Asian side 5-0 on Thursday.
Lebanon v Australia
Venue: Gio Stadium Canberra (Canberra)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:45 (UTC+10)
Bangladesh v Palestine
Venue: Bashundhara Kings Arena (Dhaka)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 15:30 (UTC+6)
Fixtures matchday 4
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Kamtedrejt
- Posts: 481
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- Contact:
Predictions
Lebanon 0-1 
Australia
Bangladesh 1-2 
Palestine
Philippines 0-2 
Iraq
China 3-1 
Singapore
Vietnam 2-1 
Indonesia
Thailand 1-1 
South Korea
India 0-1 
Afghanistan (B)
Kyrgyzstan 2-1 
Chinese Taipei
Malaysia 1-1 
Oman
Uzbekistan 4-0 
Hong Kong
Tajikistan 0-1 
Saudi Arabia
Turkmenistan 0-3 
Iran
Bahrain 3-0 
Nepal
Jordan 6-0 
Pakistan
Kuwait 0-2 
Qatar
Syria 1-0 
Myanmar
Yemen 0-2 
UAE
Lebanon 0-1 
Australia
Bangladesh 1-2 
Palestine
Philippines 0-2 
Iraq
China 3-1 
Singapore
Vietnam 2-1 
Indonesia
Thailand 1-1 
South Korea
India 0-1 
Afghanistan (B)
Kyrgyzstan 2-1 
Chinese Taipei
Malaysia 1-1 
Oman
Uzbekistan 4-0 
Hong Kong
Tajikistan 0-1 
Saudi Arabia
Turkmenistan 0-3 
Iran
Bahrain 3-0 
Nepal
Jordan 6-0 
Pakistan
Kuwait 0-2 
Qatar
Syria 1-0 
Myanmar
Yemen 0-2 
UAEMy Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamyKiani
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The first match today already kicked off (it would have been DPR Korea vs Japan but of course it was cancelled), and two minutes in Australia's "away" match, the Socceroos took a 1-0 lead. A win today, and they should be the first team to officially confirm their place in the WCQ final round and the 2027 Asian Cup final tournament (again, not counting Japan, which most likely should clinch a spot assuming they are awarded a 3-0 forfeit win.
Even though it is technically an away match for Australia, it is being played in Canberra because Lebanon's home stadium is not up to standard. The match is sold out, likely most of the crowd are Australian supporters, but at least Lebanon should keep the gate receipts (minus the operational cost of Australia hosting the match).
Even though it is technically an away match for Australia, it is being played in Canberra because Lebanon's home stadium is not up to standard. The match is sold out, likely most of the crowd are Australian supporters, but at least Lebanon should keep the gate receipts (minus the operational cost of Australia hosting the match).
Group I result: Lebanon 0-5 Australia
Australia are the first team into the third round.
Australia are the first team into the third round.
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MercedesBenz240
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I think it's because of the Palestine conflict.amenina wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:00 The first match today already kicked off (it would have been DPR Korea vs Japan but of course it was cancelled), and two minutes in Australia's "away" match, the Socceroos took a 1-0 lead. A win today, and they should be the first team to officially confirm their place in the WCQ final round and the 2027 Asian Cup final tournament (again, not counting Japan, which most likely should clinch a spot assuming they are awarded a 3-0 forfeit win.
Even though it is technically an away match for Australia, it is being played in Canberra because Lebanon's home stadium is not up to standard. The match is sold out, likely most of the crowd are Australian supporters, but at least Lebanon should keep the gate receipts (minus the operational cost of Australia hosting the match).
Also there's a pretty big Lebanese community in Australia, surely that played a huge part in filling out the stadium.
Group I result: Bangladesh 0-1 Palestine
Despite going down to 10 men, Palestine scored in second half injury time to claim the 3 points. Now 5 ahead of Lebanon and 6 ahead of Bangladesh, a draw in their next “home” match against Lebanon (most likely played in neutral territory) will seal a place in the next round.
Despite going down to 10 men, Palestine scored in second half injury time to claim the 3 points. Now 5 ahead of Lebanon and 6 ahead of Bangladesh, a draw in their next “home” match against Lebanon (most likely played in neutral territory) will seal a place in the next round.
Group F result: Philippines 0-5 Iraq
Iraq are the second team into the third round.
Iraq are the second team into the third round.
Group F result: Vietnam 0-3 Indonesia
After two 1-0 wins, first in the Asian Cup in Qatar, and then last Thursday in Indonesia, the final act of the trilogy saw Indonesia triple the score in Vietnam, putting them on the brink of advancing to the final round. Vietnam, many people's outside bet to qualify for the World Cup, now saw their hopes almost extinguished with just 3 points and trailing Indonesia by 4.
After two 1-0 wins, first in the Asian Cup in Qatar, and then last Thursday in Indonesia, the final act of the trilogy saw Indonesia triple the score in Vietnam, putting them on the brink of advancing to the final round. Vietnam, many people's outside bet to qualify for the World Cup, now saw their hopes almost extinguished with just 3 points and trailing Indonesia by 4.
Last edited by amenina on Tue Mar 26, 2024 19:51, edited 1 time in total.
Group C result: China PR 4-1 Singapore
Tied 1-1 at half-time, it was looking possibly another bad result for China, but three second half goals (even with a red card) did the job, with ex-Espanyol striker Wu Lei once again getting a brace just like last Thursday. The ultimate question is, would the two dropped points in Singapore come back to haunt the Chinese?
Tied 1-1 at half-time, it was looking possibly another bad result for China, but three second half goals (even with a red card) did the job, with ex-Espanyol striker Wu Lei once again getting a brace just like last Thursday. The ultimate question is, would the two dropped points in Singapore come back to haunt the Chinese?
Group C result: Thailand 0-3 Korea Republic
Pride restored for the Koreans, with Son Heung-min scoring in all four WCQ matches so far. One more point, away at Singapore, will put them in the final round. The second spot should be a fight between China PR and Thailand. If China PR beat Thailand at home in matchday 5, then they will seal the spot. If it is a draw, the group may be decided by goal difference if China PR lose to Korea Republic and Thailand beat Singapore in the final match.
Pride restored for the Koreans, with Son Heung-min scoring in all four WCQ matches so far. One more point, away at Singapore, will put them in the final round. The second spot should be a fight between China PR and Thailand. If China PR beat Thailand at home in matchday 5, then they will seal the spot. If it is a draw, the group may be decided by goal difference if China PR lose to Korea Republic and Thailand beat Singapore in the final match.
Group A result: India 1-2 Afghanistan
Sunil Chhetri scored his 94th international goal in his 150th cap, India's first goal after failing to score in their last five matches, including the 0-0 draw against the same opponents on Thursday. Alas, they surrendered their one-goal half-time lead at home against practically Afghanistan's B-(or C-)team by conceding two in the second half, and now both teams are tied on 4 points, with Kuwait 1 point behind with a home match against Qatar coming this evening.
Sunil Chhetri scored his 94th international goal in his 150th cap, India's first goal after failing to score in their last five matches, including the 0-0 draw against the same opponents on Thursday. Alas, they surrendered their one-goal half-time lead at home against practically Afghanistan's B-(or C-)team by conceding two in the second half, and now both teams are tied on 4 points, with Kuwait 1 point behind with a home match against Qatar coming this evening.
Group D results: Malaysia 0-2 Oman, Kyrgyz Republic 5-1 Chinese Taipei
Oman have the upper hand in the three-way battle after completing the double over Malaysia this past week. Malaysia now trail the top two by 3 points, and practically need an away win at Kyrgyz Republic in their next match, as they have an much inferior goal difference (Kyrgyz Republic and Oman both at +6 while Malaysia at -2). Chinese Taipei are the first team to be officially eliminated from the second round, but at least they finally scored a goal, meaning Nepal (to play later) are the only team without a goal in this round.
Oman have the upper hand in the three-way battle after completing the double over Malaysia this past week. Malaysia now trail the top two by 3 points, and practically need an away win at Kyrgyz Republic in their next match, as they have an much inferior goal difference (Kyrgyz Republic and Oman both at +6 while Malaysia at -2). Chinese Taipei are the first team to be officially eliminated from the second round, but at least they finally scored a goal, meaning Nepal (to play later) are the only team without a goal in this round.