While some Asian leagues have wrapped up their seasons, and others continue, it’s nevertheless time for an International Break! Within the Asian Confederation (AFC) only two games remain in Round 3 of the World Cup Qualifying. These games will be played on June 5 and June 10.
Round Three competition consists of three groups of six teams. The top two finishers of each group advance to the World Cup. Thus, six of Asia’s guaranteed eight slots will be decided by June 10. Teams that finish third or fourth in their groups will advance to the Round Four, which will be played in October and decide the final two AFC qualifiers. Here’s how everything stands and what games are coming up.
Group A
Iran has already booked their ticket. Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates are guaranteed a fourth round spot, but the winner of their June 5 match will impact the standings. Qatar and Kyrgyzstan can still qualify for the fourth round.
June 5 Fixtures
- Qatar vs. Iran
- It is absolutely essential that Qatar not lose this match.
- United Arab Emirates vs. Uzbekistan
- This is the kahuna of Group A matches. Uzbekistan clinch with a win.
- Kyrgyzstan vs. North Korea
- This is Kyrgyzstan’s chance to put some heat on Qatar. Lose and they’re out.
June 10 Fixtures
- Iran vs. North Korea
- Should be an easy win for Iran, even if they field their young kids.
- Uzbekistan vs. Qatar
- Another must-win for Qatar. If Uzbekistan lose their earlier match, it’s a must-win for them as well.
- Kyrgyzstan vs. United Arab Emirates
- Yep, this one matters.
Group B
We’ve got a super tight group with every team still in the hunt for some kind of reward. South Korea and Jordan are at least through to the fourth round but they can clinch World Cup berths. Iraq and Oman will look to spoil their party, while Palestine and Kuwait can, at best, get themselves into the fourth round with favorable results (and some help).
June 5 Fixtures
- Iraq vs. South Korea
- Huge. Winner will take the driver’s seat towards the WC ticket.
- Oman vs. Jordan
- See above. Same scenario.
- Kuwait vs. Palestine
- The winner of this match still has hope; the loser will be eliminated.
June 10 Fixtures
- Jordan vs. Iraq
- Palestine vs. Oman
- South Korea vs. Kuwait
Group C
Aside from Japan, who secured their World Cup spot back in March, there’s still a tight race between Australia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia for the last WC ticket. At the bottom, Bahrain and China could possibly leap into a fourth round opening.
June 5 Fixtures
- Australia vs. Japan
- Huge game for the Aussies. It will be curious to see whether the Blue Samurai field a young team, or go with the regular line-up.
- Bahrain vs. Saudi Arabia
- It’s a Gulf-state David vs. Goliath match here.
- Indonesia vs. China
- Must win for Indonesia if they want to stay in the race.
June 10 Fixtures
- Japan vs. Indonesia
- See above… the team that Japan fields could sink Indonesia; or give them a fighting chance.
- Saudi Arabia vs. Australia
- Another huge fixture. Very likely that this one will have a big reward on the line for the winner.
- China vs. Bahrain
- This match might have consequences, or be a nothing burger. It all depends on the previous games.
