The draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 27.

Having twice come within one match of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Bahrain will be aiming to get it right when they compete in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The battle lines were drawn following the conclusion of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2025 Qualifiers draw on Thursday, which will see teams across the continent vying for coveted tickets to the Finals.

The AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 Qualifiers draw was completed on Thursday with 43 teams finding out who they are battling for 15 available spots to the Finals with Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the tournament.

Islamic Republic of Iran topped Group E after ending their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign with a goalless draw against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

The Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ concluded on Tuesday with five teams booking their spots.

A sizzler is on the cards when Islamic Republic of Iran host Uzbekistan in Group E of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Tuesday.

Group A of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ is set for an exciting finish with India, Afghanistan and Kuwait all in the running to advance.

Asia’s age-group national teams will embark on their quest to reach the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 and AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2025 later this year when the Qualifiers for both kick off in October and September respectively.

Matchday 5 of the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Thursday is set for thrills and spills as the hopefuls look to confirm their berths.