The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up in Asia, with the third round of AFC qualifiers currently underway. The UAE, Iraq, and Japan have emerged as early leaders in their respective groups.
The stakes are high, with the top two teams from each group guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, the competition doesn’t end there. The third and fourth-placed teams will advance to the fourth round, where a grueling battle will ensue for the final two direct qualification spots.
The current standings in the third round point table are a testament to the intense competition. The UAE, Iraq, and Japan are all in prime position to secure their place in the World Cup. However, with several matches remaining, the battle for qualification is far from over. Teams are vying for every point and every victory as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal: a place on the world’s biggest sporting stage.