Saudi Arabia, Qatar Host Asia's 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been confirmed as the hosts for the crucial fourth round of Asia's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for October 8 to 14, 2025. Six teams—Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—will be divided into two groups of three, with the group winners securing the final two automatic Asian berths for the expanded 48-nation World Cup finals. The runners-up will face off in a two-legged playoff in November, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff in March for the last two World Cup spots. The official group draw will take place on July 17, 2025. This phase follows teams finishing third or fourth in the third round of qualifiers, while Japan, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan have already qualified. Iraq had also bid to host but the AFC awarded hosting rights to Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to their experience in managing major sports events.