First-time qualification for the World Cup for Uzbekistan and Jordan, alongside South Korea's advancement also.
Football Fever: Uzbekistan, Jordan, and South Korea Make History at the World Cup
It's a football extravaganza as Uzbekistan and Jordan book their maiden World Cup appearances, while South Korea claims a spot in its 11th consecutive tournament!
Uzbekistan secured their spot in Group A after playing a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates. Despite Iran's 1-0 loss to Qatar, they still hold the group lead with two points separating them from Uzbekistan. The final set of fixtures on June 10 will determine the group winner.
Meanwhile, South Korea confirmed their attendance at the 2026 World Cup by defeating Iraq 2-0 in Basra. This victory propelled them back to the top of Group B, overtaking Jordan, who clinched their World Cup participation with a 3-0 victory over Oman. Jordan's King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media, praising their accomplishments.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick, helping Jordan etch their name in history. Iraq finds itself in third place, with Oman and Palestine still in contention for the fourth round of qualifiers. Saudi Arabia and Australia will battle it out on June 10 for the second automatic spot in Group C.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring an expanded roster of 48 teams, more opportunities are available for Asian teams to secure a spot. Third-placed teams must vie for a place in the AFC play-offs. Success in these play-offs can result in either direct qualification or a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Let the World Cup countdown begin! Keep an eye on the football pitch, folks – it's going to be a wild ride!
As Uzbekistan and Jordan make history by qualifying for their first World Cup appearances, it's apparent that football passion is spreading across Asia. South Korea's victory over Iraq guarantees their attendance in the 2026 World Cup, adding another engaging football match to the competition.
