Group A
Korea DPR 2-2 Qatar
Korea DPR and Qatar both earned their first Group A points after battling out an entertaining draw in Laos. Ri Il Song gave the Koreans the lead in spectacular fashion, finding the top corner with a stunning strike from outside the area. They were soon down to 10 players, however, with captain Jang Kuk Chol sent off for a foul inside the penalty box. Akram Afif slotted home the resulting spot-kick, and Almoez Ali’s scorching effort put Qatar 2-1 ahead.
Korea DPR came out fighting after half-time and equalised through Kang Kuk Chol’s stunning free-kick. By this stage, the game was being played in torrential rain and the referee was forced to halt proceedings just before the hour. The match restarted after conditions improved, but neither team were able to find a decisive goal.
Group B
Palestine v Jordan, Cheras Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, 22:00
Oman v Korea Republic, Boshar – Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, 18:00
Kuwait v Iraq, Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait City, 21:00
Group C
Indonesia 0-0 Australia
Indonesia held Australia to a goalless draw in an absorbing clash in Jakarta. After a bright start from the hosts, the Socceroos carved out a series of chances and came closest when Nestory Irankunda’s shot struck the post.
Graham Arnold’s side continued to press in the second half, with Harry Souttar regularly a threat from set-pieces, but they could not find a way through the hosts’ resilient backline. The result means Arnold’s team have taken just one point from their opening two Group C matches, while Indonesia have drawn both their games in the section.
China PR 1-2 Saudi Arabia
Hassan Kadesh scored twice as ten-man Saudi Arabia came from behind to record a superb victory over China PR in Dalian. China hit the front early on when Saudi defender Ali Lajam diverted a cross into his own goal. The away team’s task was made all the more difficult when Mohamed Kanno was sent off, but they drew level through Kadesh’s bullet header.
Saudi Arabia were almost in front just after the hour, with captain Salem Al-Dawsari’s curring effort hitting the crossbar. They would have the last word, however, with Kadesh powering home another headed effort in the 90th minute to clinch a dramatic win.
How qualifying works
Asia has been allocated eight direct spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and another potential berth via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. In this, the third, round of qualifying the continent’s remaining 18 nations were divided into three groups of six. The group winners and runners-up advance to the global finals, while the third-place and fourth-placed teams will advance to the fourth round.
