Jordan and Uzbekistan Make History with First-Ever Qualifications; Saudi Arabia and Australia Face Decisive Clash on June 10
Five Asian national teams have officially booked their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, the sixth and final direct qualification spot hangs in the balance as Saudi Arabia and Australia prepare for a high-stakes showdown in Jeddah on June 10.
The five teams that secured direct qualification are Jordan, Uzbekistan (for the first time in their history), Iran, South Korea, and Japan. Jordan’s historic achievement came after a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman in the penultimate round of Asian qualifiers, combined with Iraq’s loss to South Korea in Group 2.
The Jordan Olympic Committee celebrated the milestone on social media, declaring: “For the first time in history, our national football team qualifies for the World Cup!” Uzbekistan also marked their debut World Cup qualification, capping off a remarkable campaign.
In Group 3, however, the final direct ticket remains contested. Australia currently holds a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia, with a superior goal difference. The two teams will face off in Jeddah, where a win for Saudi Arabia could overturn the standings, while Australia needs only a draw to secure their place.
The Asian qualifiers featured 18 teams divided into three groups, with the top two from each advancing directly. The third and fourth-placed teams will enter a continental playoff, competing for two additional spots. The runners-up from those playoffs will then play a final intercontinental playoff, offering Asia a potential ninth representative at the 2026 World Cup.
With eight Asian teams guaranteed a place in the expanded 48-team tournament, the clash between Saudi Arabia and Australia promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the qualification drama. Football fans across the continent will be watching closely as the last direct ticket is decided.
Five Asian Teams Secure 2026 World Cup Spots, Saudi Arabia and Australia to Battle for Final Direct Ticket
