South Korea nears World Cup qualification as Uzbekistan targets historic first
South Korea is close to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with upcoming qualifiers against Iraq and Kuwait. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan could qualify for the first time with a result against the UAE. With Japan and Iran already through, four automatic AFC spots remain up for grabs
South Korea's Son Heung-min and Uzbekistan's national team are key figures in Asia's final stretch of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, with both nations closing in on automatic qualification as regional rivals battle for remaining spots REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
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South Korea will have two chances to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they approach the final stages of Asian qualifying. The national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will secure their place with a draw or win against Iraq in Basra on Thursday, June 5. If unsuccessful, South Korea will have another opportunity at home next Tuesday against Kuwait.Captain Son Heung-min, who recently lifted the UEFA Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to feature selectively. Coach Hong confirmed that Son, 32, may be rested in Basra after a long and physically demanding club season. Attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in, who collected a UEFA Champions League medal with Paris Saint-Germain over the weekend, is also in the squad but did not feature in PSG's final.Also read: Win, draw, or wait? What Socceroos need to do against Japan in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier to avoid a playoff nightmare South Korea currently sits atop Group B and aims to join Japan and Iran, who have already secured automatic World Cup qualification. A win or draw against Iraq would ensure their sixth straight World Cup appearance since 1998.Uzbekistan is one result away from its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The Central Asian side needs only a draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi to claim one of the two automatic spots from Group A. Iran has already qualified from the group, while the UAE is currently in third and must win to keep their hopes alive.Should Uzbekistan falter, a path still remains through the additional rounds of AFC qualifying. Third- and fourth-place finishers in each group proceed to another qualifying stage for a chance at securing one of Asia's remaining slots.Meanwhile, Qatar, despite being the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, can only finish third or fourth in Group A. They host Iran and then travel to face Uzbekistan in what will be Julen Lopetegui's first matches in charge of the national team. The former Spain and Real Madrid manager will aim to guide the 2022 World Cup hosts into the next round of qualification.Also read: Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 glory? Japan became the first AFC team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after dominating Group C. Australia, currently second in the group, can clinch qualification with a win over Japan in Perth on Thursday, provided Saudi Arabia drops points in their away match against Bahrain.Australia is led by head coach Tony Popovic, who took over following Graham Arnold's resignation. If qualification is not secured this week, the final group-stage match between Australia and Saudi Arabia next Tuesday is likely to determine the final spot.Indonesia, coached by Patrick Kluivert, remains in contention. They sit one point behind Saudi Arabia and will host China on Thursday before concluding their group campaign with a trip to Japan. China, at the bottom of Group C, faces near elimination and will need wins in both of their remaining fixtures to maintain even remote qualification hopes.
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