Uzbekistan and Jordan qualify for World Cup for first time, South Korea also clinches

Uzbekistan, Jordan, and South Korea secure World Cup qualification spots with impressive performances in Asian qualifiers.

Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the men's World Cup for the first time on Thursday (June 5, 2025), while South Korea sealed its 11th straight appearance.

A 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough for Uzbekistan to take the second automatic qualification spot in Group A behind Iran with a game to spare.

The Central Asian team and fans celebrated together at the end and had goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to thank for a number of important saves.

As well as the six automatic qualifiers from Asia, the UAE and Qatar, who defeated the already-qualified Iran 1-0, will finish third and fourth and advance to the next stage, where six teams will compete for two more places at the 2026 World Cup.

In Group B, South Korea won 2-0 in Iraq to clinch its place. The Taeguk Warriors were helped by Ali Al-Hamadi's first-half red card, given to the Ipswich Town striker for a high kick.

Kim Jin-gyu put Korea ahead just after the hour, and the victory was sealed by Oh Hyeon-gyu eight minutes from the end. It was also enough for Jordan, which earlier beat Oman 3-0 to clinch a place in the top two. All three goals were scored by Ali Olwan.

The Palestinian team stayed in contention for the top four with a 2-0 win over Kuwait.