World Cup qualifiers Asia: Will Australia miss 2026? Who is Son's heir?
After matchday six of Asian World Cup qualifiers, our writers answer the burning questions, provide analysis and break down performances.
Indonesia hero Marselino will continue to keep the faith in World Cup dream
Despite recent adversity, Marselino Ferdinan kept the faith he could play his role in Indonesia's World Cup quest.
Socceroos rescue point in rollercoaster World Cup clash
Australia have held on to the second automatic qualifying place in their 2026 World Cup group, drawing 2-2 in Bahrain after a dramatic finale.
In Ueda's absence, Ogawa issues legitimate claim as Japan's alternative spearhead
With Ayase Ueda absent, Kōki Ogawa took his chance to lead the Japan attack with both hands this past week.
Marselino too good to be out of the Indonesia starting XI, or stagnating in England
Marselino Ferdinan inspired a memorable Indonesia win to give a reminder that he belongs in the starting XI.
Irvine: Goal-shy Socceroos need 'clinical edge'
The Socceroos know there is one key hurdle they must overcome to beat Bahrain and kickstart their World Cup qualification campaign: their own finishing.
Two months on from 7-0 humbling, will China fare any better in rematch with Japan?
China will be looking to show how far they've come from the last time they met Japan and suffered a 7-0 humbling.
The increasingly-influential Fayzullaev could be Uzbekistan's unlikeliest target man
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is the future of Uzbekistan. In the present, he might even be their unlikeliest main man in attack.
Japan thrash Indonesia to move closer to World Cup
Japan thrashed Indonesia 4-0 in Jakarta on Friday as Hajime Moriyasu's relentless side moved seven points clear at the top of Group C of Asia's 2026 World Cup qualifiers and another step closer to an automatic finals spot.
Indonesia given brutal reminder of gulf in class that still exists as Japan run riot
For the first time in the third round of Asian qualifiers, Indonesia were given a reality check by Japan.
Socceroos wanted more than draw but better placed than three months ago
The Socceroos were reeling after Graham Arnold's surprise resignation, but Tony Popovic has steadied the ship.
Son's milestone goal just the icing on the cake on a night of positives for South Korea
Son Heung-Min's 50th international goal was just one of several positives from South Korea's win over Kuwait.
Socceroos held to Saudi stalemate in Cup qualifier
The Socceroos have been left to rue failing to seize control of their World Cup qualification bid after they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Saudi Arabia.
Will Yuma Suzuki be the best Japanese striker to never play for the Samurai Blue?
Yuma Suzuki's record speaks for itself yet he continues to be overlooked by Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Legendary Myo Hlaing Win faces challenge of guiding Myanmar back up ASEAN football summit
Myo Hlaing Win was a Myanmar legend as a player. He now faces a different challenge as national team coach.
Who do Japan turn to in order to fill massive Ayase Ueda void?
With Ayase Ueda sidelined, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu will have a huge void to fill in the upcoming Asian qualifiers.
Jordan and FC Seoul star Yazan Al-Arab eager to book World Cup, ACL tickets
Yazan Al-Arab is hoping what has been a busy 2024 still has more joy to come with both Jordan and FC Seoul.
Socceroos Depth Chart: Gauci has replaced Ryan as Australia's No. 1
A total absence of minutes for Roma has caused Maty Ryan to lose his Socceroos spot to Joe Gauci. Who else is on Tony Popovic's chopping block?
Japan suffer blow with Ueda out for rest of 2024
Japan will be without star striker Ayase Ueda for November's Asian qualifiers against Indonesia and China.
Asian Cup-winning exploits once again sees Afif crowned AFC Player of the Year
In the same year he lifted the AFC Asian Cup, Akram Afif has once again been recognised as the continent's Player of the Year.
Foreign-born imports vs. homegrown talent: Indonesia's balancing act
With Indonesia's influx of foreign-born imports, Shin Tae-Yong now faces a tricky balancing act.
Popovic lays foundations for the remainder of Australia's WCQ campaign
Three at the back, two wing-backs bombing forward and the ability to change things at the break. Australia now knows what to expect from Tony Popovic's Socceroos.
In Son's absence, Oh Hyeon-Gyu stakes claim to be South Korea's main man in attack
South Korea's recent struggles to settle on their first-choice striker might just have been solved by Oh Hyeon-Gyu.
Japan nearly masters of their own downfall but quality in reserve comes to the rescue
Japan nearly contrived to lose to Australia but had too much quality waiting in the wings to be defeated.
Socceroos let lead slip but hang on for Japan draw
A Cameron Burgess own-goal denied the Socceroos what would have been a huge World Cup qualifying win over Japan.
WCQ - AFC Ladder
| Group A | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | +7 | 16 |
| Uzbekistan | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | +3 | 13 |
| United Arab Emirates | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | +8 | 10 |
| Qatar | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -7 | 7 |
| Kyrgyz Republic | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -7 | 3 |
| North Korea | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -4 | 2 |
| Group B | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| South Korea | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | +7 | 14 |
| Iraq | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +2 | 11 |
| Jordan | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | +4 | 9 |
| Oman | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -3 | 6 |
| Kuwait | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | -6 | 4 |
| Palestine | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -4 | 3 |
| Group C | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Japan | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | +20 | 16 |
| Australia | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | +1 | 7 |
| Indonesia | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -3 | 6 |
| Saudi Arabia | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -3 | 6 |
| Bahrain | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -5 | 6 |
| China | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -10 | 6 |