The 2026 World Cup host nations—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—are seeking competitive games as they prepare for the tournament as automatic qualifiers. The September international window allowed some of Asia’s early qualifiers to participate in U.S. hosted friendlies, with more matches scheduled in October to determine which of six remaining AFC nations will advance to the World Cup or to the intercontinental playoffs alongside Bolivia, New Caledonia, and other sides.
Japan Goes Winless on U.S. Trip, South Korea Shines
East Asian giants Japan and South Korea toured the United States this window. Japan settled for a dull draw against Mexico in California before falling 2-0 to Mauricio Pochettino’s United States in Ohio. Pochettino’s side has struggled ahead of their first home World Cup since 1994, including a 2-0 loss to South Korea, but goals from Club America’s Alejandro Zendejas and Florin Balogun helped the USA defeat Japan. Following a Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico in July, and amid questions about squad identity, Pochettino’s job is under scrutiny. Japan were the first nation to qualify for the World Cup outside of the host nations and have a well organized football program with a number of European based standouts.
South Korea finished their World Cup qualifying campaign undefeated (6-4-0) and topped their group. Son Heung-min continued his excellent form after arriving in MLS, scoring in both matches—against the USA and in a 2-2 draw with Mexico in Nashville. Raul Jimenez and Santi Gimenez scored for Mexico, who remain under pressure despite being Gold Cup champions. Overall, Mexico appears in a slightly stronger position than the U.S. to compete in this World Cup, but they remain well off of the best of UEFA and CONEMBOL.
Canada impressed in Europe, defeating Romania and Wales without conceding a goal, showcasing a disciplined squad ready for 2026.
Uzbekistan Upsets Iran
In the CAFA Nations Cup—a Central Asian tournament organized after Iran and Uzbekistan secured World Cup qualification—Uzbekistan emerged victorious with a 1-0 extra-time win. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov leads the side, while Iran, with a largely domestic-based squad headed by Olympiacos’ Mehdi Taremi, is struggling to reach previous European-based squad standards.
Australia Remains Undefeated in 2025
Australia continues to build momentum, remaining undefeated in 2025. The Socceroos won a doubleheader against OFC qualifiers New Zealand, confirming their reputation as a tough World Cup opponent despite a lack of starpower. After a 5-4-1 qualifying campaign, they finished just behind Japan in Group C.
AFC Playoffs Take Shape
The AFC playoffs feature two groups: Group A includes Qatar, UAE, and Oman, while Group B has Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. The winner of each group is into the World Cup, the second place team go into a final clash for an intercontinental playoff spot.
Iraq and the UAE secured the most points in the last qualifying stage of the remaining teams. Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia has made only one World Cup (1938) and includes a few European-based players. Iraq last appeared in 1986, also with a mostly domestic squad.
Saudi Arabia remains a historically strong qualifier, though massive investment in the Saudi Pro League has yet to translate to AFC dominance. They famously defeated Argentina in the last World Cup but finished 3-4-3 in Group C AFC qualifying for 2026.
Oman, UAE, and Qatar are relative newcomers to the World Cup stage. Oman has never qualified and fields a nearly all-domestic squad. The UAE last appeared in 1990, relying on several naturalized players, including Brazilian-born Bruno and Argentine-born Nicolas Gimenez. Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, fields a squad of Qatar Stars League stars and is expected to contend for an intercontinental playoff spot alongside Saudi Arabia, with Iraq as a long-shot candidate. The Iraqi team has had a few magic moments in the last two decades.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xJessxStilesx
