Qualifying · 2026 · AFC
AFC · Asia · Play-off
AFC · 8 berths
6 qualified
The top two of each third-round group qualify directly (6); the round-four winners take the other 2. Runners-up drop to a play-off.
The top two of each third-round group qualify directly (6); the round-four winners take the other 2. Runners-up drop to a play-off.
Iraq1
United Arab Emirates1United Arab Emirates1Iraq2Under way · World Cup 2026
The finals are being played right now — the qualified nations are competing.
How qualification works
Six confederations
Each region — UEFA, CONMEBOL, Concacaf, CAF, AFC and OFC — runs its own tournament for a fixed share of the 48 places.
Group stage → play-off
Group winners (and the best runners-up) qualify directly; teams just short drop into confederation and inter-confederation play-offs.
The last two spots
A six-team inter-confederation play-off decides the final two berths, with sides from five different confederations.