Uzbekistan and Jordan qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in history, joining South Korea, as Asian qualifiers intensify with thrilling final round clashes

World Cup 2026 qualification took a dramatic turn on Thursday as Uzbekistan and Jordan secured their maiden entries into the tournament, making history in the Asian qualifiers.

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South Korea also booked their familiar place at the global showpiece, marking their 11th straight appearance.

Uzbekistan’s goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi was enough to clinch second place in Group A, securing their passage to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With one matchday remaining, they remain two points behind leaders Iran, who suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Qatar in Doha.

Jordan, meanwhile, confirmed their qualification in style with a commanding 3-0 win over Oman. Although South Korea later reclaimed the top spot in Group B by beating Iraq 2-0 in Basra, Jordan’s earlier result sealed their place in the expanded 48-team tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed national pride in a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter):

“This historic qualification is well-deserved by our team, which includes stars and cadres of whom we are proud. Special thanks go to our loyal fans who have been our support and encouragement.”

Ali Olwan was the hero of the night for Jordan, netting a hat-trick and ensuring the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up left no doubt about their readiness for football’s grandest stage.

In Group B, Iraq’s hopes of automatic qualification were dented by a red card to Ali Al Hamadi following a VAR review. They now sit third, with Oman and Palestine still in the race for a fourth-round qualifying berth.

Palestine boosted their chances with a 2-0 victory over Kuwait and now prepare to host Oman in a decisive final fixture.

Elsewhere in Group C, Australia edged closer to sealing their spot with a last-minute 1-0 win over Japan in Perth. Defender Aziz Behich scored the decisive goal in front of over 57,000 fans, keeping Australia three points ahead of Saudi Arabia.

Tony Popovic, who took over as Australia manager last September, said:

“We know there’s room to grow and room to improve, but we’ve done something special tonight.”

Saudi Arabia kept their slim hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Riffa, but will now need a five-goal victory over Australia in Jeddah to snatch second place.

Indonesia, managed by Patrick Kluivert, also remain in contention after a narrow 1-0 win over China thanks to Ole Romeny’s controversial VAR-assisted penalty. The result sees Indonesia sit just one point behind Saudi Arabia with all to play for.

As the final round of Asian qualifiers looms, excitement builds with several teams vying for the remaining spots at what promises to be the most inclusive and competitive World Cup yet.