Former Japan footballer Shinji Okazaki (second left) and former Iran footballer Mehdi Mahdavikia (right) stand on stage after the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw for Asian teams in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. AFP photo.
Doha: Reigning Asian champions Qatar face an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for first time as they were drawn alongside Iran in a tricky Group A yesterday.
The draw ceremony for the third round of Asian Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, also placed Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and North Korea alongside Al Annabi.
Yesterday’s draw decided the fates of 18 Asian sides, which advanced from the second qualifying round. These teams were divided into three groups comprising six teams each, with winners and runners-up from each group to qualify directly for the World Cup to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Marquez Lopez’s Qatar, who topped their group in the second round after an unbeaten run, will open their campaign against the UAE at home on September 5 with the Qualifiers scheduled to continue until June 10, 2025.
The group opponents will meet on home-and-away basis with Iran – ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings – being the biggest challenge for World No.35 Qatar, who made their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022.
The presence of Uzbekistan, who were outstanding in this year’s Asian Cup before eventual champions Qatar knocked them out on penalties in quarters, and regional opponents UAE also makes the task tougher for Marquez’s men.
“We always have to believe there is a chance. Now we know who we are going to play, and what it comes down to is the preparation, logistics, and making sure the squad is ready mentally and physically.
This is a different stage for us, and it will involve traveling and visiting many countries. It will be difficult, but we have to play,” said Qatar Technical Director Tim Cahill.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei was also anticipating a difficult test for his side following the draw.
“If you look at our group, it’s not easy, we have UAE and Qatar but if you look at our results from the previous round, (it gives us confidence) to qualify,” he said.
UAE coach Paulo Bento said: “It’ll be tough and difficult for us due to the quality of the opponents. Logistically it’s not a bad one for us. This is important because sometimes our players are not used to traveling a lot and we don’t need any adaptations.”
While the top two sides from each group will seal automatic World Cup spots, teams finishing in third and fourth positions – six in total – will then form two groups of three teams, with both group winners securing the remaining spots for the World Cup. The runners-up from these two groups will face off in a home and away tie, eyeing the Intercontinental Playoff and play for the final available berth.
‘Very difficult and challenging group’
Meanwhile, Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia, who featured in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, were being drawn together in Group C that also has Bahrain, China and Indonesia.
“We have been drawn into a very difficult and challenging group. We have matches against those who have experienced the World Cup in the past, but also in places with a climate difference and transportation challenges. We have to ensure the best preparations for our players. There are many challenges,” said Japan team Director Masakuni Yamamoto.
South Korea, who have made 10 consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances since 1986, are favourites in Group B as they were drawn along with Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.
