When Exactly Do the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Kick Off and What's the Current Status?
Alright, football fanatics! If you're asking, "vong loai world cup 2026 chau a khi nao da?" (When do the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers play?), you're in the right place. The journey for Asian nations to the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA is already well underway, having kicked off way back in October 2023. We're talking serious business here, with more spots up for grabs than ever before – a massive 8 direct qualification berths and an additional slot via the inter-confederation play-offs!
The initial phase, Round 1, saw 20 lower-ranked AFC teams battle it out in home-and-away ties in October 2023, with the 10 winners advancing. These victorious nations then joined the remaining 26 higher-ranked teams in Round 2. This crucial stage, featuring 36 teams split into nine groups of four, ran from November 2023 and just wrap up in June 2024. Teams played each other twice, home and away, with the top two from each of those nine groups – a total of 18 teams – successfully navigating their way through to the highly anticipated Round 3.
So, to answer your immediate question: the qualification process is very much *active*. Round 2 has concluded, and we now know the elite 18 who are just a few steps away from realizing their World Cup dreams. BD Score was tracking every single kick, every crucial goal, and every dramatic moment in those group stages!
What's the Next Big Date for Asian Teams in the World Cup Qualifiers? (Focus on Round 3)
Now, this is where it gets really intense, and exactly what you need to mark on your calendar if you're keen to know "khi nào đá" for the top contenders! The next major chapter, Round 3 of the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, is slated to commence in September 2024. This is the stage where direct qualification spots are truly on the line.
The 18 teams that triumphed in Round 2 will be drawn into three groups of six teams each. This draw is a massive event in itself, determining the pathways for these nations. Each team in these three groups will play a home-and-away round-robin format, meaning a total of 10 matches per team. This gruelling schedule will run from September 2024 all the way through to June 2025.
The stakes couldn't be higher: The top two teams from each of these three groups will automatically secure their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026. That's a grand total of six Asian teams directly qualifying, making this round absolutely vital for every squad. BD Score will be providing real-time updates, detailed match statistics, and in-depth analysis for every single fixture as these titans clash!
Which Teams Are Still in the Hunt and Who Are the Players to Watch?
With Round 2 now complete, we have a clearer picture of Asia's heavyweights and emerging forces. The 18 teams through to Round 3 are a mix of established powerhouses and some truly exciting dark horses. Here's a quick rundown of who made it through:
- Group Winners (9): Qatar, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia
- Group Runners-up (9): Kuwait, North Korea, China PR, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Jordan, Bahrain, Palestine
Just look at that list! We've got giants like Japan, who finished with a perfect 6 wins from 6 matches in Group B, scoring an incredible 24 goals and conceding none – a testament to their dominance. South Korea, with their talisman Son Heung-min (7 goals in Round 2!), also showcased their class, topping Group C comfortably. Then there's Australia, who also achieved a flawless record in Group I with 22 goals scored and zero conceded.
But it wasn't just about the usual suspects. Uzbekistan demonstrated immense grit to top a challenging Group E over Iran. Indonesia showed incredible progress, pipping Vietnam to second place in Group F, sparking wild celebrations. Palestine made history by reaching Round 3 for the first time ever, a fantastic achievement for their players and fans.
Players to keep an eye on? Beyond the obvious stars like Son (South Korea), Takefusa Kubo (Japan), and Mehdi Taremi (Iran), watch out for talents like Ayase Ueda (Japan, 5 goals in Round 2), Ali Jasim (Iraq, critical assists and goals), and Marselino Ferdinan (Indonesia, rising star power). These are the players whose individual brilliance can turn a game and potentially seal a World Cup berth. BD Score will be tracking their every move!
How Does the Qualification Pathway Continue Beyond Round 3?
For teams that don't clinch a direct spot in Round 3, the dream isn't over. Asia's expanded allocation means there are more opportunities than ever! Here's how the pathway continues:
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Round 4 (AFC Asian Play-off): The six teams that finish 3rd and 4th in their respective groups in Round 3 will advance to Round 4. This stage is scheduled for October 2025. These six teams will be split into two groups of three, playing single round-robin matches at a centralized venue. The two group winners will then qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking Asia's direct qualification tally to eight!
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Inter-confederation Play-off: The two runners-up from Round 4 will face each other in a single play-off match, also in October 2025. The winner of this match will then proceed to the Inter-confederation Play-off tournament, scheduled for March 2026. This global play-off involves teams from other confederations (CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, OFC) battling it out for the final two spots at the World Cup. It's a nail-biting, winner-take-all scenario!
As you can see, the road is long and arduous, but full of chances. Every match, every point, and every goal will be crucial right up to the very end. BD Score will be with you every step of the way, providing the scores and stats that matter.
What Does This Mean for Asian Footballers and Fans Looking Ahead?
For Asian footballers, the expanded World Cup offers an unparalleled opportunity. More spots mean more dreams can be realized, more careers can be defined. Players are pushing their limits, knowing that a strong performance for their national team could not only lead to a World Cup appearance but also open doors to bigger club opportunities. The pressure is immense, but so is the potential reward.
For fans across Asia, this is a golden era. The excitement is palpable as nations like Indonesia and Palestine demonstrate that the traditional powerhouses aren't the only ones with a shot. The diversity of teams progressing through the qualifiers means more nations will be glued to their screens, cheering on their heroes. The passionate support, both in stadiums and online, creates an incredible atmosphere.
At BD Score, we live for these moments. We understand that behind every scoreline is a story of grit, determination, and national pride. Our commitment is to bring you the most accurate, timely, and data-rich coverage of the AFC World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. From the first whistle of Round 3 in September 2024 to the final kick of the Inter-confederation Play-off, we'll be your trusted source for all the crucial match statistics, player performances, and league table updates. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to World Cup 2026!