Uzbekistan earned their place after a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, which was enough to guarantee a top-two finish in Group A of the Asian qualifiers. The result, coupled with Iran topping the group, confirmed Uzbekistan’s qualification. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov played a crucial role in the match, producing key saves to maintain the clean sheet. This achievement comes after several near misses in past qualification campaigns, most notably in 2006 when a controversial refereeing decision saw them eliminated on away goals after a replayed tie against Bahrain.
Jordan booked their spot with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Oman in Muscat, thanks to a hat-trick from forward Ali Olwan. Their qualification was later confirmed following South Korea’s 2-0 win over Iraq, which secured Jordan’s top-two finish in Group B. This marks a remarkable step forward for Jordan, who had previously come close to World Cup qualification in 2014 but were defeated in an intercontinental playoff against Uruguay. Under coach Jamal Sellami, the team has shown significant improvement, building on their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
The qualification of both teams highlights the rising standards and competitiveness of Asian football. Their presence in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not only inspire fans back home but also bring new energy and diversity to the tournament.
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