The third round of AFC FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying is set to resume, with matchdays on 10 and 15 October. Here, FIFA highlights five players who have been shining at club level and will be out to transfer their form to the international stage.
Yuki Ohashi – Japan
The 28-year-old striker has impressed since moving to English Championship side Blackburn Rovers during the summer transfer window. He has scored four goals in nine league appearances for the club, with his tally among the highest in the division. His eye-catching form has earned him his first international call-up for Japan, who will face Saudi Arabia and Australia in October.
Abdukodir Khusanov – Uzbekistan
Aged just 20, Khusanov has become a key player for Lens in Ligue 1 this season. With 467 minutes from seven appearances, including five starts, he has been a figure of strength and composure in heart of the French club’s defence.
An absentee from Uzbekistan’s squad last month, the Tashkent-born defender is expected to return under coach Srecko Katanec for two crucial home games against Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Mees Hilgers – Indonesia
Fans of the Indonesian national team are eagerly awaiting Hilgers’ arrival. The Dutch-born FC Twente defender completed his naturalisation process last month and was immediately called up by coach Shin Taeyong for their two key away matches against Bahrain and China. His aerial prowess and strength in the tackle make him a valuable asset – and the 23-year-old looks set to play a vital role in Indonesia’s quest to qualify for World Cup 26.
Bae Junho – Korea Republic
Stoke City’s Bae Junho, 21, is a strong candidate to replace the injured Son Heungmin for Korea Republic’s games against Jordan and Iraq. He’s been a standout performer for the English Championship side in 2024 and is one of their main creative forces. Bae, who starred for his country at last year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup™, has already racked up three assists this season.
Mehdi Taremi – IR Iran
Taremi may not be Inter Milan’s first-choice striker but, when given the chance, he delivers. Handed a starting berth for their UEFA Champions League clash Crvena Zvezda earlier this month, he delivered an excellent all-round performance and scored a penalty in a 4-0 win. The 32-year-old will be hungry to remain on the scoring trail when Iran face Uzbekistan and Qatar.
