There are still 4 more matches in the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. However, some teams can secure a place in the World Cup this March.
In Asia, the top two teams of the three groups in the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, the two third and fourth-placed teams will continue their journey to the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
Here are four Asian teams that could qualify for the 2026 World Cup:
1. Japan team
Japan is the closest Asian team to qualify for the World Cup. Japan currently has 16 points, 10 points ahead of Indonesia in third place.
If Japan defeats Bahrain on March 20, they will get 19 points.This score has ensured Blue Samurai will be safe in one of the top two positions and also qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
2.Iran team
Iran could qualify for the World Cup after playing two matches in March.However, Iran's matches are quite tense as they have to face the UAE (20 March) and Uzbekistan (25.3) Iran currently has 16 points, 3 points ahead of Uzbekistan and 6 points ahead of the UAE.To qualify for the World Cup in March, Iran must beat the UAE and at least draw with Uzbekistan.
If that happens, Iran will have 20 points after two matches.With 20 points, Iran will be sure to be in the top two in Group A and the other teams in the group, the UAE, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan and North Korea, will not be able to catch up.
If Iran wins both matches, they will automatically qualify for the US, Canada and Mexico next year and secure the top spot in Group A.
3. South Korean team
The Korean team is leading Group B with 14 points, followed by Iraq (11 points), Jordan (9 points) and Oman (6 points).
To qualify for the World Cup in March, South Korea must defeat Oman (20 March) and Jordan (25 March). These two victories helped Korea escape the risk of being chased by Jordan, Oman, Kuwait and Palestine in the remaining 2 matches.
4. Iraq team
Iraq, who are second in Group B, also have a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in March. The initial requirement was that they must win six points in matches against Kuwait (20 March) and Palestine (25. March).
In addition, they also have to hope that South Korea will also win 2 matches in March. Another condition is that Iraq must hope that Jordan cannot defeat Palestine.
If that happens, Iraq will win 17 points and will be far ahead of Jordan and Oman before the last 2 matches, ensuring the West Asian team is guaranteed to finish 2nd in Group B, thereby qualifying for the World Cup soon. Historically, Iraq has not participated in the world No. 1 tournament since 1986.
