The third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup has kicked off, and several teams are already facing challenges in securing their spots in the tournament. The expansion of the World Cup to a 48-team format in 2026 has provided both traditional powerhouses and underdogs with opportunities to qualify, leading to some surprising results in the early stages of the qualifiers.
Qatar
Qatar, the reigning champions of the AFC Asian Cup, suffered a setback in Group A with a 3-1 defeat to the United Arab Emirates. Despite high expectations, Qatar's star attackers were contained, and their defense faltered in the closing minutes of the match. Coach Tintín Márquez will need to address these issues quickly to revive Qatar's campaign.
South Korea
South Korea faced a disappointing 0-0 draw against Palestine in Group B. While dominating possession, South Korea failed to convert their chances, with captain Son Heung-Min hitting the woodwork. Off-field tensions surrounding coach Hong Myung-Bo's appointment added to the team's challenges.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, a regular World Cup participant, faced a surprising 1-1 draw against Indonesia in Group C. Despite controlling the game, Saudi Arabia struggled to break down Indonesia's defense. Coach Roberto Mancini faces pressure to make changes ahead of the next match.
China
China suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Japan, highlighting their struggles in the competition. The Chinese team, once a World Cup participant, failed to match Japan's intensity and quality. Star player Wu Lei was ineffective, reflecting China's overall performance issues.
Australia
Australia's 1-0 loss to Bahrain was a setback, considering their strong home record. The defeat, only their second in a 'live' World Cup qualifier since 1981, exposed vulnerabilities in the team's performance. Players like Harry Souttar and Mathew Ryan have acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of their next match.
As the Asian World Cup qualifiers progress, these teams will need to regroup and address their weaknesses to secure their places in the tournament. With tough competition and high stakes, every match becomes crucial in determining which teams will ultimately qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
