Qatar eyes second World Cup appearance as Asian Playoff campaign kicks off

Asian Capitals: Six national teams from Asia are gearing up for the start of the continental playoff stage in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Wo...

Asian Capitals: Six national teams from Asia are gearing up for the start of the continental playoff stage in the race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The group stage of the Asian playoff is scheduled to begin on October 8.

The teams have been divided into two groups: Group A features Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. The winner of each group will earn direct qualification to the World Cup, joining six other Asian teams that have already secured their spots.

Matches will be played in a single round-robin format at centralized venues. The Qatar Football Association will host Group A fixtures, while Group B matches will be held under the Saudi Football Federation.

Asian champions Qatar are aiming for their second World Cup appearance following their debut as hosts in 2022. Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui hopes to emulate the success of compatriot Felix Sanchez, who led Qatar in their first World Cup campaign.

Saudi Arabia, under French manager Hervé Renard, is targeting a third consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. Oman, meanwhile, is chasing a historic first-ever qualification, while Iraq, the UAE, and Indonesia are each seeking a second appearance on football’s biggest stage.