Iran vs Uzbekistan
The situation in Group A is relatively clear, as Iran and Uzbekistan show clear strength compared to other opponents. With Iran leading the group, 9 points ahead of the 3rd place team with only 3 more qualifiers, Iran will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they have at least 1 point against Uzbekistan.
This goal is within Iran's ability, because they are still unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers. For the Uzbekistan team, a victory in Tehran also helped them get their first ticket to the World Cup.
South Korea vs Jordan
The South Korean team had a disappointing draw against Oman in the previous round. Coach Hong Myung-bo described it as the team's worst match under him. Therefore, the Korean team aims to defeat Jordan. If they have 3 points, the West Asian team will almost certainly have their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.
As for Jordan, they also have a lot of motivation to defeat their opponent. They are currently 2nd in Group B, also aiming to qualify for the World Cup. In the first leg, Jordan lost 0-2 to South Korea but in the 2024 Asian Cup semi-finals, they beat Son Heung-min and his teammates with the same score.
Palestine vs Iraq
Iraq currently has 12 points, equal to Jordan and 3 points behind South Korea. This round, they have an important match with Palestine away. In the first leg, Iraq beat their opponents 1-0. If they continue to defeat their opponents, coach Jesus Casas' team will have a great opportunity to change their position, opening up the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Japan vs Saudi Arabia
The Japanese team has won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. However, the remaining positions of Group C to go to the US, Canada and Mexico next year are still very tense, as all 5 remaining teams have a chance. The Saudi Arabia team is highly appreciated, but they will face many difficulties when visiting Japan.
If they win, the Saudi Arabia team will have a chance to win a ticket to 2nd place. But if they lose, they will easily be overtaken by Australia. As for the Japanese team, they have no intention of giving up after completing their mission. In the first leg, Mitoma and his teammates beat their opponents 2-0.
Indonesia vs Bahrain
Coach Patrick Kluivert's reign with the Indonesian team began with a 1-5 loss to Australia. The pressure on him and the team from the archipelago is huge. In this round, the Indonesian team will have a chance to defeat the Bahrain team - a team that is not too strong. In the first leg, Indonesia drew 2-2 with their opponent despite leading the opponent until the 90+9 minute.
