The 2026 FIFA World Cup started on June 12 in Mexico, featuring a record 48 teams with nine from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying for the tournament [1, 2, 3]. The Asian teams are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Iraq [1, 3].
Japan enters as the strongest Asian contender, ranked 18th globally [1, 3]. South Korea, ranked about 25th, won their opening group match against the Czech Republic 2-1, raising expectations they will reach the knockout stage [3]. Australia, holding a 27th rank, faces a tough group with the USA, Turkey, and Paraguay [3].
Iran, ranked 20th, is set to compete against Belgium and Egypt in the group phase [1, 3]. Saudi Arabia (61st) faces Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, while Qatar (57th) is drawn alongside Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina [1, 3]. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th and making their World Cup debut, aims to win matches in a group with Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo [1, 3].
Jordan, ranked 63rd and also a World Cup debutant, finds itself in a challenging group with Argentina, Austria, and Algeria [2, 3]. Iraq qualified approximately three months before the tournament via inter-confederation playoffs and is ranked 56th. They face France, Senegal, and Norway in their group [2, 3].
ESPN commented on the tournament's opening stage, saying, "At this stage of the tournament, before a ball is even kicked, hope obviously springs eternal" [2].
The World Cup continues with group matches unfolding, with Asian teams aiming to advance beyond the first round amid strong competition.
