World Cup Qualifying: Asia (AFC)

In partnership with

Hooligan Soccer

·4 June 2025

World Cup Qualifying: Asia (AFC)

While some Asian leagues have wrapped up their seasons, and others continue, it’s nevertheless time for an International Break! Within the Asian Confederation (AFC) only two games remain in Round 3 of the World Cup Qualifying. These games will be played on June 5 and June 10.

Round Three competition consists of three groups of six teams. The top two finishers of each group advance to the World Cup. Thus, six of Asia’s guaranteed eight slots will be decided by June 10. Teams that finish third or fourth in their groups will advance to the Round Four, which will be played in October and decide the final two AFC qualifiers. Here’s how everything stands and what games are coming up.

OneFootball Videos

Group A

Source: Wikipedia

Iran has already booked their ticket. Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates are guaranteed a fourth round spot, but the winner of their June 5 match will impact the standings. Qatar and Kyrgyzstan can still qualify for the fourth round.

June 5 Fixtures

Qatar vs. Iran It is absolutely essential that Qatar not lose this match.
United Arab Emirates vs. Uzbekistan This is the kahuna of Group A matches. Uzbekistan clinch with a win.
Kyrgyzstan vs. North Korea This is Kyrgyzstan’s chance to put some heat on Qatar. Lose and they’re out.

June 10 Fixtures

Iran vs. North Korea Should be an easy win for Iran, even if they field their young kids.
Uzbekistan vs. Qatar Another must-win for Qatar. If Uzbekistan lose their earlier match, it’s a must-win for them as well.
Kyrgyzstan vs. United Arab Emirates Yep, this one matters.

Group B

Source: Wikipedia

We’ve got a super tight group with every team still in the hunt for some kind of reward. South Korea and Jordan are at least through to the fourth round but they can clinch World Cup berths. Iraq and Oman will look to spoil their party, while Palestine and Kuwait can, at best, get themselves into the fourth round with favorable results (and some help).

June 5 Fixtures

Iraq vs. South Korea Huge. Winner will take the driver’s seat towards the WC ticket.
Oman vs. Jordan See above. Same scenario.
Kuwait vs. Palestine The winner of this match still has hope; the loser will be eliminated.

June 10 Fixtures

Jordan vs. Iraq
Palestine vs. Oman
South Korea vs. Kuwait

Group C

Source: Wikipedia

Aside from Japan, who secured their World Cup spot back in March, there’s still a tight race between Australia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia for the last WC ticket. At the bottom, Bahrain and China could possibly leap into a fourth round opening.

June 5 Fixtures

Australia vs. Japan Huge game for the Aussies. It will be curious to see whether the Blue Samurai field a young team, or go with the regular line-up.
Bahrain vs. Saudi Arabia It’s a Gulf-state David vs. Goliath match here.
Indonesia vs. China Must win for Indonesia if they want to stay in the race.

June 10 Fixtures

Japan vs. Indonesia See above… the team that Japan fields could sink Indonesia; or give them a fighting chance.
Saudi Arabia vs. Australia Another huge fixture. Very likely that this one will have a big reward on the line for the winner.
China vs. Bahrain This match might have consequences, or be a nothing burger. It all depends on the previous games.