Six Asian nations compete for two FIFA World Cup 2026 berths as AFC Asian Qualifiers playoffs begin on Wednesday. Qatar, UAE and Oman form Group A while Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia comprise Group B. Each group winner advances directly to the tournament while runners-up will meet in a November two-legged match to determine AFC's representative at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Oman seeks its first World Cup appearance in 10 qualifying campaigns when facing Qatar on Oct. 8 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. UAE plays Oman on Oct. 11 after both teams drew in their December 2024 Gulf Cup meeting. Indonesia confronts Saudi Arabia on Oct. 8 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah before meeting Iraq on Oct. 11. The final playoff matches occur on Oct. 14 as Qatar faces UAE and Saudi Arabia plays Iraq.
Oman seeks its first World Cup appearance in 10 qualifying campaigns when facing Qatar on Oct. 8 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. UAE plays Oman on Oct. 11 after both teams drew in their December 2024 Gulf Cup meeting. Indonesia confronts Saudi Arabia on Oct. 8 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah before meeting Iraq on Oct. 11. The final playoff matches occur on Oct. 14 as Qatar faces UAE and Saudi Arabia plays Iraq.
