Six teams will compete for Asian spots at the 2026 World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation picked Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Indonesia, Qatar, and UAE for playoff matches. These countries split into two groups of three teams each. Group winners advance directly to the World Cup.
The confederation decided Saudi Arabia hosts one group and Qatar hosts the other. Four teams strongly oppose this arrangement. Iraq, UAE, Oman, and Indonesia want neutral venues instead. They argue home field advantage creates unfair conditions.
The Iraqi Football Association sent formal complaints about the hosting setup. Officials demand equal treatment for all competing nations. Every game matters when World Cup qualification hangs at stake. The confederation has not changed its venue decisions despite mounting pressure from multiple teams.
The confederation decided Saudi Arabia hosts one group and Qatar hosts the other. Four teams strongly oppose this arrangement. Iraq, UAE, Oman, and Indonesia want neutral venues instead. They argue home field advantage creates unfair conditions.
The Iraqi Football Association sent formal complaints about the hosting setup. Officials demand equal treatment for all competing nations. Every game matters when World Cup qualification hangs at stake. The confederation has not changed its venue decisions despite mounting pressure from multiple teams.
