As the global football spotlight shifts to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has delivered a definitive message of solidarity and support to the AFC’s representatives who stand on the precipice of football history.
The landmark 2026 edition introduces an unprecedented 48-team format, paving the way for Asia’s largest and most formidable delegation to take to the field. Leading this historic charge is a distinguished blend of established giants and maiden campaigners, with debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan carrying the unified pride of billions alongside Australia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I extend my warmest congratulations and most heartfelt well wishes to our Asian teams, players and match officials as they prepare to step onto the grandest stage of world football.
“This edition marks a historic milestone for our great game. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams across three host nations, the foundation for Asian success is stronger than ever and our Continent is well poised to stand taller on the global stage.
“The journeys of our teams through the demanding AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26™ have proven their resilience, exceptional talent, and drive to excellence and now, the impetus is firmly on them to seize this moment in North America and ensure we establish a new, record-breaking benchmark of achievement outside of Asia.
“To all our AFC representatives: this is your moment to showcase the relentless progress, unity, and undeniable quality of Asian football. By earning your places among the world’s elite, you have already brought immense pride to the billions across our Continent, and you now carry the hopes and dreams of our diverse football family.
“As we embark on this exciting journey across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, I urge you to play with courage, hold high the values of fair play, and write a compelling new chapter for our Continent on the global stage.
“Furthermore, we extend our compliments and full solidarity to FIFA, the host nations, and the local organising committees. We wish the global governing body the very best of luck and resounding success in staging this historic, expanded tournament. We have total confidence that this edition will serve as a powerful beacon of unity, bringing together fans and diverse cultures from every corner of the globe while charting inspiring new frontiers for world football.”
As the countdown reaches its climax, Asia’s representatives face a thrilling slate of initial encounters as the Group Stage gets underway across 16 host cities in North America.
Korea Republic will mark their 12th FIFA World Cup appearance and an incredible 11th consecutive qualification. The Taeguk Warriors, Asia’s most successful side following their historic 2002 Semi-final run on home soil, launch their Group A campaign against Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, June 11. Following this opener, the East Asians navigate the remainder of their Group Stage journey with high-stakes fixtures against co-hosts Mexico (June 18) and South Africa (June 24).
Reigning Asian champions Qatar make their second consecutive World Cup appearance, building on the valuable tournament experience gained during their debut as 2022 hosts. Eager to establish a new competitive benchmark on foreign soil, the Maroons meet Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Saturday, June 13, ahead of crucial Group B matches against co-hosts Canada (June 18) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 24).
Also on June 13, Australia gear up for their sixth consecutive and seventh overall World Cup campaign, carrying a proud legacy of global resilience. Looking to build on their all-time best Round of 16 finishes in 2006 and 2022, the Socceroos open their Group D campaign against Türkiye at BC Place Vancouver, before confronting challenging fixtures against co-hosts the United States (June 19) and Paraguay (June 25).
Japan embark on their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance on Sunday, June 14. The Samurai Blue, who have proven their elite competitive pedigree by reaching the Round of 16 across four separate editions, face the Netherlands at the Dallas Stadium in a blockbuster Group F showdown, followed by pivotal ties against Tunisia (June 20) and Sweden (June 25).
Saudi Arabia enter their seventh World Cup finals, eager to replicate past opening-day heroics. Eyeing a return to the Knockout Stage for the first time since their unforgettable 1994 Round of 16 debut run, the Green Falcons clash with South American giants Uruguay at Miami Stadium in Group H on Monday, June 15, setting up future group fixtures against Spain (June 21) and Cabo Verde (June 26).
The Islamic Republic of Iran will begin their seventh overall and fourth consecutive World Cup campaign with high ambitions. Seeking to advance past the opening round for the first time in history, Team Melli start their Group G quest against New Zealand on Monday, June 15 at the Los Angeles Stadium, while later group fixtures pit them against Belgium (June 21) and Egypt (June 26).
Iraq celebrate their second World Cup appearance, making a long-awaited return to the global finals for the first time since 1986. After bowing out in the Group Stage 40 years ago with narrow defeats, the Lions of Mesopotamia mark their return by opening Group I against Norway on Tuesday, June 16, at the Boston Stadium, before advancing next to marquee matchups against France (June 22) and Senegal (June 26).
Jordan spearhead their historic World Cup debut in Group J, carrying the pride of a rising football nation. Unburdened by history and aiming to forge a maiden legacy, the West Asians clash with Austria at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium also on Tuesday, June 16, followed by ultimate Group Stage tests against African giants Algeria (June 22) and world champions Argentina (June 27).
Uzbekistan round out the opening fixtures with their own monumental tournament bow. Looking to transform their highly successful continental youth pedigree into senior-level success, the White Wolves meet Group K rivals Colombia on Wednesday, June 17 at the Mexico City Stadium, with upcoming group ties matching them against powerhouses Portugal (June 23) and Congo DR (June 27).
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