Kuala Lumpur | October 3rd,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
Asian Playoffs:
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 heats up as six Asian nations prepare for the high-stakes AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoffs, starting October 8. Divided into two groups, these teams will battle for just two direct berths to the world’s biggest football stage.
Table of Contents
Group A: Qatar, UAE, and Oman Face Off
Group A matches will be staged at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.
Oman vs Qatar opens the campaign on October 8. Ranked 78th, Oman is still hunting for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. They gained confidence after defeating Qatar 2-1 in the 2024 Gulf Cup — their first win over the reigning Asian champions in 11 attempts.
UAE vs Oman follows on October 11. The UAE, ranked 67th, last featured in the World Cup in 1990 and are determined to break a 36-year drought.
The group concludes with Qatar vs UAE on October 14, a clash that could decide who secures a direct ticket to North America 2026.
Group B: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia in Jeddah Showdowns
Group B matches will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia vs Indonesia kicks off on October 8. Saudi Arabia (ranked 59) is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance. Indonesia (ranked 119), the only team from Round 1 still alive, is chasing history — their only previous World Cup outing was in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies.
Iraq vs Indonesia will be played on October 11. Iraq (ranked 58) hopes for a second World Cup berth after last qualifying in 1986. Iraq has dominated this fixture historically, winning the last eight meetings.
The group concludes with Saudi Arabia vs Iraq on October 14, a regional rivalry that could decide everything.
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What’s at Stake?
Group winners: Secure direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Runners-up: Face off in a two-legged knockout (Nov 13 & 18). The winner then advances to the FIFA Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament, competing against teams from other continents for one of two remaining World Cup spots.
Historic Opportunities Ahead
Among the contenders, Oman and Indonesia are chasing milestone qualifications. Oman has never reached the World Cup despite ten qualifying attempts, while Indonesia could mark their first appearance in modern history. Meanwhile, football powerhouses like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq will look to maintain Asia’s strong presence at the global tournament.
The journey begins October 8, and with only two guaranteed spots on the line, fans can expect drama, rivalries, and potentially history-making performances.
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