World Cup - Qualification Asia 2026/27

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) operates as a joint qualification process with the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under FIFA authority, the tournament serves a dual purpose: securing spots for the 48-team World Cup and the 24-team Asian Cup. The specific format for this cycle was announced on 1 August 2022, following a draw held on 27 July 2023. The process commenced on 12 October 2023 and involved all 46 AFC member associations.

The competition follows a complex multi-stage elimination system rather than a traditional league structure. It begins with Round 1, where the 20 lowest-ranked teams play home-and-away two-legged ties. The ten winners advance to Round 2, which features 36 teams divided into nine groups of four. Within this stage, the nine group winners and nine runners-up progress to the World Cup Round 3 and automatically qualify for the Asian Cup. Meanwhile, the remaining eighteen teams from Round 2 continue in the Asian Cup qualification path.

Round 3 for the World Cup consists of three groups of six teams playing home-and-away round-robin matches. The top two teams from each group secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The third- and fourth-placed teams from these groups, totaling six nations, advance to Round 4. This round is played as a single round-robin at centralized venues, split into two groups of three teams. The two group winners from Round 4 earn direct World Cup places. The two runners-up from this stage proceed to Round 5, a home-and-away two-legged tie. The victor of this final round advances to the FIFA Inter-Confederation Play-offs.

The 2026 format is distinct due to the expansion to 48 teams, which introduces this fifth round and increases Asian slots to eight direct and one play-off spot. Teams eliminated from contention at each stage do not face promotion or relegation but may continue in the Asian Cup qualification path as best losers or via separate play-offs.