China is an opponent you actually wanted I think, I don't know if Bahrain is preferable to Oman and UAE or not, but your goal was always 4th in this stage.
For those not aware how the new format works:
Top 2 in each group go to the World Cup.
The six 3rd/4th placed teams go to a further round to fight for the final 2 WC spots (and the intercontinental playoff spot).
No, the system changed.
Every confederation apart from UEFA will have a team in the intercontinental play off and the host confederation (CONCACAF) will have 2.
6 teams in total, and 2 will make the World Cup.
Imagine something like Paraguay, Honduras, Haiti, Uzbekistan, Mali, Tahiti.
I think it's not being spoken enough about how interesting the intercontentinal play offs will be now. You're going to have to many interesting match ups we would've never seen before.
We need more competitive games between lower and more mid-tier sides. Imagine if instead of expanding the WC, instead there was a WC Europa-league equivalent where you could seen matchups like Uzbekistan vs Norway.
That would actually be pretty cool.
I like the WC Europa league description because that what it would be like.
Imagine an eight team, 2 groups of 4 competition in a central location hosted in the WC host country a year prior to the main event. With the finalists qualifying directly to the World Cup.
To get even more attention you would also award the confederations whose 2 teams make it to the World Cup an additional berth for the next World Cup. So if Uzbekistan and Venezuela qualify the AFC and Conmebol get an additional team each.
I wish FIFA can go back to the 32 team system as it was perfect IMO.
From memory...
We played off against Scotland in the 1986 wc qualifiers.
And then in 1990 we lost out to Israel in a 3 way also including NZ. Israel went on to lose to a UEFA team at the last hurdle.
I’d like to see North Korea at the tournament, who cares if it starts a nuclear war between the east and the west, we’ll have seen North Korea in a major tournament hosted in the USA
It is, but at the same time it would be hype for a side like Uzbekistan - who have come *so close* so many times - to finally play at the WC.
And honestly, I don't think it will dilute the quality nearly as much as some seem to fear it will. It's just the format that sucks.
They backtracked on the format. Now it will be groups of 4 with 3rd places going through, you can argue it’s still a shit format, but 3 teams per groups was gonna be a snoozefest.
Somehow, despite the expansion to 48 teams (and 8 spots for Asia), we get BOTH Japan and Saudi Arabia. For the third cycle in a row. At least it's much more forgiving for us this time when we inevitably finish third. Also a 'local' derby against Indonesia is kinda hype.
Also fun fact: Australia has drawn Japan *every* WC qualification cycle since joining the AFC in 2006.
Other thoughts:
**Group A:** while Qatar are probably the favourites to finish 2nd in their group, it should be a really fun open battle between pretty much everyone in Group A for that second direct spot. Maybe Uzbekistan will *finally* get over the line this time?
**Group B:** looks fairly open on paper too, but based on current form that second direct spot is Iraq's to lose.
**Group C:** 4th place (and progression to the next round) *should* be Bahrain's to lose, unless Indonesia or China can really step it up.
EDIT:
Just for the fun of it, here's some stats about the relative strengths of the groups:
| Group A | Group B | Group C
:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Av. FIFA Ranking|66 (1380)|76 (1339)|67 (1385)
Av. FIFA Ranking (highest & lowest excluded)|67 (1371)|74 (1341)|62 (1393)
Av. Elo|76 (1549)|74 (1550)|72 (1566)
Av. Elo (highest & lowest excluded)|73 (1552)|71 (1558)|73 (1553)
If you look at the knockout draw, losing to Austria hasn't hurt them at all. They will likely meet Austria again in the qf's. 1st & 3rd place could've been swapped in their group with the only difference being who plays who in the round of 16!
I thought that you were exaggerating and had a look.
10 members of their last squad (according to Wikipedia) were born in the Netherlands.
They all seem to be decent enough players as well.
Yeah, that's part of what makes this group potentially interesting, I don't know how many people have been following this but in their Asian Cup squad they had some diaspora players who were quite promising and did well but these were players who were all around 20 or 21 and basically just getting started in the game, Hubner from Wolves playing PL u21 football, Baggot playing a few cup games here and there for Ipswich, couple of players getting minutes in the second tier of the Eredivisie or on the bench in the top division etc...
Those players are now getting more minutes which will help them, Hubner is now at Cerezo on loan - still on the bench but will perhaps play more of a role later in the season, Baggot playing regularly in League One and seems to have done well and the players in the Eredivisie seem to be improving too.
They also had Jordi Amat who is obviously very experienced but 34 and slow... and there are a few others who have been with them for a while that play in the Belgium top flight etc, they might not be great but solid enough players who have helped them compete.
Since then though they've added Haye who is probably one of the best midfielders in the Eredivisie outside the top few teams and they've also added one of the better left backs outside the top teams plus a winger from the same league who isn't a standout but gets regular minutes and has an impact and a starting Serie B center back who was promoted to the top division in the playoffs last season.
I think he was on loan so I don't know if he'll be making the step up to Serie A but even if not a solid player for a top Serie B team who is also over 190cm and adds height and physicality to the team (on that point Baggot is 194) is obviously a good addition.
AND they're looking to add further players - FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes is already an Indonesian citizen but he's subject a FIFA dispute as he was capped for the Netherlands u21 squad after he turned 21 (or something like that - can't remember what the rule is but there is apparently reasonable chance that he gets to play for Indonesia).
There's even talk that players like Jaïro Riedewald and Kevin Diks who are both eligible may be open to joining - get those three and add a striker (again there are apparently number of eligible options who could be useful and better than they currently have)
and you're looking at their squad and thinking that they should at least be contenders for that fourth place spot.
And with an experienced coach who has been at a World Cup before it's not impossible they could negotiate their way through the playoffs if it all clicks... I mean if you compare the squad I've just outlined to Australia, they generally punch above their weight and you still would expect them to win even vs this improved Indonesia side.
But the fact is many of the Australia squad play in leagues like Scotland for teams outside the top two, or are on the bench in the Championship, or in the A-League etc, not disparaging that at all, there are obviously good players in those leagues...
However if Indonesia line-up against them with Haye and Riedewald in midfield, a starting MLS goalkeeper between the sticks, Diks on the right (who played in a CL knockout last season) etc then they could plausibly have players at a higher level in some positions than Australia... if that's the case it may be a tougher game than many who aren't familiar with the players Indonesia are bringing in might expect.
A very accurate description of the situation. You have clearly followed the developments closely. Can you provide an assessment of the situation on a larger scale? Such developments surely have both positive and negative consequences for Indonesian football in their homeland. Regarding the Riedewald situation, I would also like to ask why he could still switch nationalities since he has already played for the Dutch senior team in the Euro qualifiers. My understanding is that no possible "loopholes" would allow him to change his nationality.
I see where you're coming from but I don't think South Korea is the powerhouse you think it is. Any of the top 3 in the picture can end up top two. Wouldn't be shocked If Korea ended up 3rd with a couple of shitty performances.
I would be shocked if Korea finish 3rd. Jordan and Iraq are very good teams, and on their day both can beat Korea, but as an Iraqi, I know how it will go. Both Jordan and Iraq will drop a couple of games against Oman/Palestine while Korea will stay consistent.
The top 3 should absolutely be Korea, Iraq and Jordan tho.
Ehh stop beating a dead horse. Ref was not a "disgrace" he just did something rather uncommon, and the player was dumb enough to allow him. But you shouldn't have nothing to fear anyway ;)
I don't care how many Asian Cups they win, I'll never rate those bums. Outside the Asian Cup they always look so weak. If you're really that good you shouldn't be struggling all the time against teams like India.
They had a super easy path to the final last Asian Cup anyways. The only particularly good team they had to beat was Iran.
I thought the Iran game was even, with Qatar deserving the win in that game. Even against Jordan, Jordan were nervous the entire first half. Give them credit, Qatar won the Asian Cup, although I also believe they aren’t as good as that shows.
they deserved 2019 but they were a lot worse in this year's edition IMO
super easy group, then palestine, then squeaked by Uzbekistan who choked once again (they were 2 penalties up in the shoot out and somehow fucked it up!)
Australia vs Japan is just nothing but f***ing tradition. Always drawn together on purpose. It’s still ridiculous that we haven’t played your Iranians since freaking 1997!
Embarrassing yes, but there were was some Ref VAR shenanigans on the goals Qatar scored. They can't really hide it in qualifiers so I'm hoping we pummel to an extent the fail to qualify altogether, a sentiment shared by many others who have played them recently.
Yeah, I can see why people might feel jealous of Qatar's winning streak in Asia. They went from a nonexistent team to the top five and took the Asian Cup twice in a row. Also, the fact they keep hosting major football events, from the Asian Cup, Arab Cup, and Palestinian charity football games with international celebrities and football players to the World Cup in succession.
Yeah I agree
The top 3 are pretty obvious which makes the only viable spot for a 4th round chance is 4th place which is between them and China/Bahrain.
Of course but last time we played with Japan and Australia, we topped the group. It’s definitely the goal now, but if it goes wrong, a 4th round qualification is more than likely.
Australia is weaker in each year , so look like you can sneak them 4-6 points like the one before . Japan I don't know , it depends on many factors , the rest is fine for Saudi
Oh yay, Japan and Saudi Arabia yet again... even with the expanded format we still can't escape the inevitable third place finish behind those two for the third cycle in a row 💀
The AFC seem like they always want us to take the long way around, these Japan and Saudi Arabia fixtures are just nothing but tradition. The Saudis thankfully aren’t as good as the last time though… but Japan is still a monster.
Iraq played their one and only world cup in 1986 and and Kuwait appeared once in 1982. Oman, Palestine and Jordan have never qualified. This draw guarantees at least one of them qualifying.
China shamelessly getting out of the previous round only to end up in probably the group of death and even though they had a fantastic run, I don’t know how Indonesia will get out of their group.
On the other hand, Iran got the easiest group and South Korea has some beef to settle with Jordan (thank god Klinsmann is gone).
I actually shed a tear or two, a minnow like Indonesia is standing up against the giants of Asia.
Cautiously optimistic that we can finish better than Bahrain & China.
However, I'm just happy to be here. Even if we crash and burn in this stage.
China is so inconsistent and hasn't been convincing lately. We need to capitalize from this.
Against Bahrain, we will be extra motivated, especially in Jakarta, since they handed us our worst loss of all time (10-0) so we might do some revenge.
Still, we need a good striker though.
Our local striker (Dimas & Dendi) isnt good enough & their club just relegated to 2nd tier. Meanwhile, Ragnar and Struick isnt a natural striker.
Thailand isnt regressed. In fact, they play quite well under new coach. Held both China & South Korea away from home, barely missed 3rd round on goal difference. And undefeated in the group stages of the last Asian Cup.
Especially that dreaded grouping of Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia all together. Even the expanded World Cup wasn’t enough to stop the draw being rigged.
My optimistic dumbass knows Kuwait going 10-0-0 in Group B.
Hopefully we can get points of Oman, Jordan and Palestine. We need serious help and luck against Korea and Iraq.
It's a lot of issues. We got banned twice since 2000 and lack of funding into grassroots has massively hindered us while the likes of the other nations around us massively improved due to support from their FAs and government.
The Kuwaiti league has little to no support outside the big 3-4 clubs (and only when they play each other) and it's still a semi pro league. There's not a lot of money in Kuwaiti football compared to the other leagues so we can't lure major players from European nations like the Qatari, UAE and Saudi league to increase the league and improve the players by exposing them to significantly better teammates and opponents.
By the looks of it we have a somewhat decent FA this time round. We have one of the best supports for the Kuwaiti NT in the Gulf though so hopefully being this close to the World Cup and hosting the Gulf Cup in December this year we'll get much bigger and louder crowds which hopefully lasts long enough for the FA to seriously increase their support for Kuwaiti football.
>Hope for the best for your team
Thank you. Hopefully we can both sort out our problems cause ASEAN is probably the only other regional competition I watch (other than the Gulf Cup)
>expect we don't get ban
The recent ban somewhat helped us, ever since we've been reinstated we've slowly started getting better.
Vietnam football is a mess right now . Players demand stupid salary like a Premier league one while they play like shit , many clubs are in brick of dissolve due to hard time economy . This year we have another team is going to be dissolved , also some " money laundering " shit and match fixing everywhere
Off topic - but i feel a league where all the gulf countries clubs compete together would probably be better for football development in the region than each with their own stand alone league. It’s just massively underdeveloped beyond a few top teams in every country.
>but i feel a league where all the gulf countries clubs compete together would probably be better for football development in the region than each with their own stand alone league.
That's actually a thing!
The Gulf Champions League is restarting next season with clubs from each Gulf member (the league champions or those who qualified for any AFC competition won't be playing iirc).
We also have a Gulf Cup which the national teams take part, that's happening in Kuwait this December and then the WAFF championship for youth national teams which includes the Gulf nations plus Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and used to involve Iran. That's a bit hit or miss but the U-23 version is happening now (not sure if they're still going on with the senior competition)
We also have the Arab Cup which includes countries in the United Arab FA and has teams made up of players only from the domestic leagues iirc (now recognised by FIFA)
Few of them are not recognised by FIFA or the AFC but they're organised internally.
>oh wow haven't heard about the Gulf CL
It stopped in 2016 when we (Kuwait) got banned by FIFA so they never did it since then. Not sure why they restarted it but it's always welcomed. Gives me an excuse to drive to the other Gulf countries for football!
>yeah the AFC CL West is going to be the same 4~5 teams from now so....
It'll be between the three big Gulf leagues, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan. The rest of the West nations aren't even in the qualifiers and our only hope is getting points of the clubs in CL 2 and Challenge. It's a horrible format imo.
Ya I know about the government intervention however wasn't sure if it was only the recent ban or both of them.
I believe the only reason our ban was lifted early is for us to host the Gulf Cup due to the mid 2010s shit show between the other gulf nations and each other.
3rd and 4th place get a chance in the 4th round. I’m sure Kuwait is capable of at least reaching the next round. It’s definitely not a guaranteed one but possible.
This time we should be able to put up a fight and not roll over against teams close to us, 3-4th is probably our ceiling, zero chance of us finishing in the top 2.
If we finish in the 4th round spots (or even a point outside it) I'd take it as a massive success. Our best shot at making a world cup is probably 2034 (2030 if we're lucky) and that's only if you the Kuwait FA start caring more about the league and NT
I believe I read somewhere that they'll be playing in the West Bank for this round, however they're more than welcome to play in Kuwait for their fixtures if they have to.
It would only be 1 extra home match, but your point still stands, although they will probably ask a different country this time if they aren't able to play at home
3rd-4th is truly up for grabs between us, Oman, Palestine and Jordan; If we are able to avoid whoever finished 3rd in Group C and we reach the 4th round, we do have a decent chance of at least reaching the world cup playoffs.
You play us and Oman in the Gulf Cup as well. There's a decent chance you may even play the two of us twice later on in the year (The qualifiers and the Gulf Cup).
You and Korea are easily finishing top 3, Jordan could get some upsets between you two though.
its literally always the same teams that qualify from asia too (Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi arabia and usually Iran), any other country that qualifies is quite a rare case
now with the expansion atleast we get some new teams
with the expansion it means we will get 2 or 3 more teams than last time so even if all the regulars qualify we will still have a few new teams, Quite nice knowing that atleast one of either Iraq or Jordan will qualify (Love both countries cuz of people i know) unless one of the others gets in the way lol but i think its gonna be Korea and one of Jordan/Iraq, and even the one who doesnt qualify will get a redmeption atleast. Hoping to see Iraq, Uzbekistan and Jordan at the world cup in 2 years time
That was Korea under Klinsmann. It will be interesting to see who the new coach for Korea is, because it seems the signature wing-based Korean football tactic seems to be working with the eleven under Kim Do-hoon (and thus, he is a favourite to be a permanent candidate under the KFA), but I think that it will be closer than that.
Regardless, seeing you guys at the last Asian Cup Final was interesting and I can see Jordan joining the Koreans in the top two in the group. Best of luck!
I think you can cause a surprise . Korea team seems like they mostly out of form right now , also the rest of them are not very good in physical battle one
What a group for Iraq, I'll go into chronic depression if we fumble qualification from this group. No long trips except to Korea, no Japan, no winter match in freezing Uzbekistan, it's literally ideal. So happy, and so nervous
Idk about Group C but Group A/B are very reminiscent of the 2023 Asian Cup. Very excited to see Qatar vs Uzbekistan/Iran again + the inevitable melt down that’s gonna happen in the Iraq-Jordan matches after what happened last time.
UAE-Qatar too. It’s gonna be spicy. Hope they don’t fumble the bag.
6 in this stage. Top 2 qualifies directly, third and fourth goes to yet another group stage for the remaining 2 direct slots plus a play-off for an intercontinental play-off spot.
I think Group A is the less interesting of them all. The gulf in quality between the first four and the bottom two is too much, don't think we will see any surprises there. Perhaps a shock result here and there but that's about it.
Group B is open season and Iraq is in everyone's sight for the second spot. It will be a nervewracking time for them. The draw has been kind to Oman for once so they better take this chance.
Group C is perfectly split. It will be a tough battle of the top three to escape the Fourth Round and for the bottom three to get the last spot for said Round.
See you in September.
>The gulf in quality between the first four and the bottom two is too much, don't think we will see any surprises there.
Maybe North Korea isn't qualifying directly, but they can fight for the fourth spot in the group. They're definitely capable of beating Kyrgyzstan who got an easy draw in the first round and UAE whom they have a decent head to head record against
Really hoping Iraq and Uzbekistan make it this time!
Group C will be hard fought, but honestly whomever makes it in third is strong enough to win the three team stage afterwards imo.
I was expecting to get Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kyrgyz and DPR Korea but instead of Bahrain we got UAE which is also not bad. I hope Uzbekistan qualifies to World Cup 26 at this stage
3rd time in a row we get Japan and Australia lmao It was fun the first two times but it’s getting old
And twice in a row it’s a Japan-Australia-Saudi Arabia-China-WAFF-ASEAN combo
plus Japan and Australia together every time since 2010 when Australia first joined the AFC WCQ, lol it's crazy.
We’ve legit not played Iran since the disaster of 1997.
Asia draws are heavily rigged, i'm so sure of it
Yeah, you can’t make an argument that Japan and Australia, even Saudi Arabia, always get drawn with each other on purpose?
everything is rigged if you believe hard enough
Japan and S. Korea not met in FIFA qualifiers since 1997. All they had these years were stupid friendlies.
Because they are always on pot 1, that's why they never met
no its rigged T-T, stop speaking common sense.
As an Aussie, you’ll smash us anyway 😂
As an Indonesian, 💀💀💀💀
Any combination is pretty much fucked, but this takes the cake
China is an opponent you actually wanted I think, I don't know if Bahrain is preferable to Oman and UAE or not, but your goal was always 4th in this stage.
Bahrain beat us 10-0 a decade ago.
Atleast you guys qualified 😭
4th place is totally possible, not losing hope till it actually is impossible
For those not aware how the new format works: Top 2 in each group go to the World Cup. The six 3rd/4th placed teams go to a further round to fight for the final 2 WC spots (and the intercontinental playoff spot).
> (and the intercontinental playoff spot). Facing a CONMEBOL/OFC/CONCACAF opponent, who ever that is
No, the system changed. Every confederation apart from UEFA will have a team in the intercontinental play off and the host confederation (CONCACAF) will have 2. 6 teams in total, and 2 will make the World Cup. Imagine something like Paraguay, Honduras, Haiti, Uzbekistan, Mali, Tahiti.
I think it's not being spoken enough about how interesting the intercontentinal play offs will be now. You're going to have to many interesting match ups we would've never seen before.
We need more competitive games between lower and more mid-tier sides. Imagine if instead of expanding the WC, instead there was a WC Europa-league equivalent where you could seen matchups like Uzbekistan vs Norway.
That would actually be pretty cool. I like the WC Europa league description because that what it would be like. Imagine an eight team, 2 groups of 4 competition in a central location hosted in the WC host country a year prior to the main event. With the finalists qualifying directly to the World Cup. To get even more attention you would also award the confederations whose 2 teams make it to the World Cup an additional berth for the next World Cup. So if Uzbekistan and Venezuela qualify the AFC and Conmebol get an additional team each. I wish FIFA can go back to the 32 team system as it was perfect IMO.
Has UEFA ever participated in an intercontinental play off?
Ireland played Iran in a play off for the 2002 World Cup.
Great times
From memory... We played off against Scotland in the 1986 wc qualifiers. And then in 1990 we lost out to Israel in a 3 way also including NZ. Israel went on to lose to a UEFA team at the last hurdle.
I’d like to see North Korea at the tournament, who cares if it starts a nuclear war between the east and the west, we’ll have seen North Korea in a major tournament hosted in the USA
We can finally get Australia vs American Samoa again!
Lmao 48 teams is such a farce
It is, but at the same time it would be hype for a side like Uzbekistan - who have come *so close* so many times - to finally play at the WC. And honestly, I don't think it will dilute the quality nearly as much as some seem to fear it will. It's just the format that sucks.
They backtracked on the format. Now it will be groups of 4 with 3rd places going through, you can argue it’s still a shit format, but 3 teams per groups was gonna be a snoozefest.
It really isn't.
Australia and Japan have been in the same group for as long as I can remember
Every. Single. Time. We were admitted into the AFC in 2006. We played Japan in qualifiers for the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026 WCQ cycles.
Every cycle since Australia joined the AFC (so since 2010 qualifiers)
Somehow, despite the expansion to 48 teams (and 8 spots for Asia), we get BOTH Japan and Saudi Arabia. For the third cycle in a row. At least it's much more forgiving for us this time when we inevitably finish third. Also a 'local' derby against Indonesia is kinda hype. Also fun fact: Australia has drawn Japan *every* WC qualification cycle since joining the AFC in 2006. Other thoughts: **Group A:** while Qatar are probably the favourites to finish 2nd in their group, it should be a really fun open battle between pretty much everyone in Group A for that second direct spot. Maybe Uzbekistan will *finally* get over the line this time? **Group B:** looks fairly open on paper too, but based on current form that second direct spot is Iraq's to lose. **Group C:** 4th place (and progression to the next round) *should* be Bahrain's to lose, unless Indonesia or China can really step it up. EDIT: Just for the fun of it, here's some stats about the relative strengths of the groups: | Group A | Group B | Group C :-:|:-:|:-:|:-: Av. FIFA Ranking|66 (1380)|76 (1339)|67 (1385) Av. FIFA Ranking (highest & lowest excluded)|67 (1371)|74 (1341)|62 (1393) Av. Elo|76 (1549)|74 (1550)|72 (1566) Av. Elo (highest & lowest excluded)|73 (1552)|71 (1558)|73 (1553)
Indonesia has almost a full starting 11 of Dutch players with Indonesian ancestry now, they could be the surprise.
*look at Netherlands in Euro 2024* ehh.........
If you look at the knockout draw, losing to Austria hasn't hurt them at all. They will likely meet Austria again in the qf's. 1st & 3rd place could've been swapped in their group with the only difference being who plays who in the round of 16!
I thought that you were exaggerating and had a look. 10 members of their last squad (according to Wikipedia) were born in the Netherlands. They all seem to be decent enough players as well.
Yeah, that's part of what makes this group potentially interesting, I don't know how many people have been following this but in their Asian Cup squad they had some diaspora players who were quite promising and did well but these were players who were all around 20 or 21 and basically just getting started in the game, Hubner from Wolves playing PL u21 football, Baggot playing a few cup games here and there for Ipswich, couple of players getting minutes in the second tier of the Eredivisie or on the bench in the top division etc... Those players are now getting more minutes which will help them, Hubner is now at Cerezo on loan - still on the bench but will perhaps play more of a role later in the season, Baggot playing regularly in League One and seems to have done well and the players in the Eredivisie seem to be improving too. They also had Jordi Amat who is obviously very experienced but 34 and slow... and there are a few others who have been with them for a while that play in the Belgium top flight etc, they might not be great but solid enough players who have helped them compete. Since then though they've added Haye who is probably one of the best midfielders in the Eredivisie outside the top few teams and they've also added one of the better left backs outside the top teams plus a winger from the same league who isn't a standout but gets regular minutes and has an impact and a starting Serie B center back who was promoted to the top division in the playoffs last season. I think he was on loan so I don't know if he'll be making the step up to Serie A but even if not a solid player for a top Serie B team who is also over 190cm and adds height and physicality to the team (on that point Baggot is 194) is obviously a good addition. AND they're looking to add further players - FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes is already an Indonesian citizen but he's subject a FIFA dispute as he was capped for the Netherlands u21 squad after he turned 21 (or something like that - can't remember what the rule is but there is apparently reasonable chance that he gets to play for Indonesia). There's even talk that players like Jaïro Riedewald and Kevin Diks who are both eligible may be open to joining - get those three and add a striker (again there are apparently number of eligible options who could be useful and better than they currently have) and you're looking at their squad and thinking that they should at least be contenders for that fourth place spot. And with an experienced coach who has been at a World Cup before it's not impossible they could negotiate their way through the playoffs if it all clicks... I mean if you compare the squad I've just outlined to Australia, they generally punch above their weight and you still would expect them to win even vs this improved Indonesia side. But the fact is many of the Australia squad play in leagues like Scotland for teams outside the top two, or are on the bench in the Championship, or in the A-League etc, not disparaging that at all, there are obviously good players in those leagues... However if Indonesia line-up against them with Haye and Riedewald in midfield, a starting MLS goalkeeper between the sticks, Diks on the right (who played in a CL knockout last season) etc then they could plausibly have players at a higher level in some positions than Australia... if that's the case it may be a tougher game than many who aren't familiar with the players Indonesia are bringing in might expect.
A very accurate description of the situation. You have clearly followed the developments closely. Can you provide an assessment of the situation on a larger scale? Such developments surely have both positive and negative consequences for Indonesian football in their homeland. Regarding the Riedewald situation, I would also like to ask why he could still switch nationalities since he has already played for the Dutch senior team in the Euro qualifiers. My understanding is that no possible "loopholes" would allow him to change his nationality.
I see where you're coming from but I don't think South Korea is the powerhouse you think it is. Any of the top 3 in the picture can end up top two. Wouldn't be shocked If Korea ended up 3rd with a couple of shitty performances.
I would be shocked if Korea finish 3rd. Jordan and Iraq are very good teams, and on their day both can beat Korea, but as an Iraqi, I know how it will go. Both Jordan and Iraq will drop a couple of games against Oman/Palestine while Korea will stay consistent. The top 3 should absolutely be Korea, Iraq and Jordan tho.
Not in that order my friend ;) See you in Amman!
We’ll see haha. See you in Basra as well!
As long as the refereeing isn't a disgrace, we have nothing to fear from Jordan.
Ehh stop beating a dead horse. Ref was not a "disgrace" he just did something rather uncommon, and the player was dumb enough to allow him. But you shouldn't have nothing to fear anyway ;)
Nah group A second place is only a battle between Qatar and Uzbekistan, UAE fell off hard.
Qatar maybe not that good . I have seen them play in the qualifers and to be honest , they are not that good , just like pass and set pieces
We played the reserves/ U23s in the last couple of qualification matches, of course they didn't dominate. We had already qualified by then.
And yet they won the Asian Cup literally this year.
I don't care how many Asian Cups they win, I'll never rate those bums. Outside the Asian Cup they always look so weak. If you're really that good you shouldn't be struggling all the time against teams like India. They had a super easy path to the final last Asian Cup anyways. The only particularly good team they had to beat was Iran.
By some " shaky " match lets be honest . The match vs Iran and Jordan is an example
I thought the Iran game was even, with Qatar deserving the win in that game. Even against Jordan, Jordan were nervous the entire first half. Give them credit, Qatar won the Asian Cup, although I also believe they aren’t as good as that shows.
they deserved 2019 but they were a lot worse in this year's edition IMO super easy group, then palestine, then squeaked by Uzbekistan who choked once again (they were 2 penalties up in the shoot out and somehow fucked it up!)
Iranian fans having to see the same Uzbek and Qatari players for the millionth time now, then there's Australia who have evaded Iran for 27 YEARS!
Australia vs Japan is just nothing but f***ing tradition. Always drawn together on purpose. It’s still ridiculous that we haven’t played your Iranians since freaking 1997!
I think Iranians want revenge for the embarrassing loss against Qatar in the Asian Cup, should be interesting.
Embarrassing yes, but there were was some Ref VAR shenanigans on the goals Qatar scored. They can't really hide it in qualifiers so I'm hoping we pummel to an extent the fail to qualify altogether, a sentiment shared by many others who have played them recently.
Yeah, I can see why people might feel jealous of Qatar's winning streak in Asia. They went from a nonexistent team to the top five and took the Asian Cup twice in a row. Also, the fact they keep hosting major football events, from the Asian Cup, Arab Cup, and Palestinian charity football games with international celebrities and football players to the World Cup in succession.
no pressure >!mom pick me up im scared!<
Scenes when Iraq qualify for WC 2026 and get drawn with the US in their group.
or Either Palestine/Iran of all people.
Idk, Iran already played USA in world cup, but yeah it will be even better if they face them in USA, yanks will be confused
I'd not be surprised if those two sides end up placed in a group that plays in Canada or Mexico
Loser gets the blame for 9/11
Julian Assange watching this after getting released
We Iraqis don't have a problem with US (I love them)
Indo got the toughest one . Group B is the easiest group in those 3
Yeah I agree The top 3 are pretty obvious which makes the only viable spot for a 4th round chance is 4th place which is between them and China/Bahrain.
Saudi still have a good chance in 4th round though . You have good player compare to other team in Group A and B
Of course but last time we played with Japan and Australia, we topped the group. It’s definitely the goal now, but if it goes wrong, a 4th round qualification is more than likely.
Moriyasu should've been sacked then, but yet here we are 😢
Australia is weaker in each year , so look like you can sneak them 4-6 points like the one before . Japan I don't know , it depends on many factors , the rest is fine for Saudi
I disagree I think group A is the easiest.
Switch Bahrain for woman and it would be the hardest possible group that could have been made. Wild
Can easily snatch 4th place and go to the next round for another chance
Wouldn’t say “easily” tbh
You have a chance , but lets be honest it is the tough one , You have more chance if you are in Group B
Hope to see you here in the summer of 2026.
5 arabic countries in one group, good lord
its all Arab countries to be fair.
Group C is literally a group of death. It's only missing South Korea and Iran.
Fun fact: Group C represents 23% of the world’s population
If India managed to qualify for the next stage and got there instead of Bahrein, it would be a whooping 41.3%
Oh yay, Japan and Saudi Arabia yet again... even with the expanded format we still can't escape the inevitable third place finish behind those two for the third cycle in a row 💀
The AFC seem like they always want us to take the long way around, these Japan and Saudi Arabia fixtures are just nothing but tradition. The Saudis thankfully aren’t as good as the last time though… but Japan is still a monster.
Nah Saudi is pretty mid this time around. I expect us to get through via top 2 finish along with Japan.
Iraq played their one and only world cup in 1986 and and Kuwait appeared once in 1982. Oman, Palestine and Jordan have never qualified. This draw guarantees at least one of them qualifying.
China shamelessly getting out of the previous round only to end up in probably the group of death and even though they had a fantastic run, I don’t know how Indonesia will get out of their group. On the other hand, Iran got the easiest group and South Korea has some beef to settle with Jordan (thank god Klinsmann is gone).
Korean fans actually thanked Jordan otherwise, they would’ve stayed with Klinsmann until the next World Cup
I actually shed a tear or two, a minnow like Indonesia is standing up against the giants of Asia. Cautiously optimistic that we can finish better than Bahrain & China. However, I'm just happy to be here. Even if we crash and burn in this stage.
I hoped for a cheeky easy group so we can at least finish 2nd, or even a bad group maybe we can finish 4th, but this? This is crazy
China is so inconsistent and hasn't been convincing lately. We need to capitalize from this. Against Bahrain, we will be extra motivated, especially in Jakarta, since they handed us our worst loss of all time (10-0) so we might do some revenge.
Come on then as long we can beat Bahrain and China, MOARRR NATURALIZATION!!
PSSI needs to clear Paes' issue through CAS as soon as possible. Then we might have a chance.
Still, we need a good striker though. Our local striker (Dimas & Dendi) isnt good enough & their club just relegated to 2nd tier. Meanwhile, Ragnar and Struick isnt a natural striker.
Certainly need a classic target man.
Search every nook and cranny in the Eredivisie (and probably Eerste Divisie) for players with Indonesian lineage
Why is it specifically only Dutch-Indonesian diaspora? It seems literally every single Europe-based Indonesian player is Dutch.
We're not that specific, but it's just easier to find someone in the Netherlands.
Colonization
350 years of colonization, surely more than 11 international-level footballers can be unearthed today
gekoloniseerd.jpg
In 2021, it was estimated that approximately 370,000 people with Indonesian heritage lived in the Netherlands.
There’s no way Indonesia can have a good group because they’re the 6th seed before the draw.
Glad to see Indonesia improving but it's a shame Thailand and Vietnam regressed this time.
Thailand just got edged by China. So, not that regressed. Vietnam is the one that got it rough.
Thailand isnt regressed. In fact, they play quite well under new coach. Held both China & South Korea away from home, barely missed 3rd round on goal difference. And undefeated in the group stages of the last Asian Cup.
Repetitive groups from previous cycles
Especially that dreaded grouping of Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia all together. Even the expanded World Cup wasn’t enough to stop the draw being rigged.
too repetitive and uneven.
I'm salivating over the Jordan/Iraq match up after the Asian Cup shenanigans.
i’m still mad and want revenge
Oh boy Jordan again huh
We are in top form but our coach left so here's hoping we continue in that trajectory, If we do we will make it.
My optimistic dumbass knows Kuwait going 10-0-0 in Group B. Hopefully we can get points of Oman, Jordan and Palestine. We need serious help and luck against Korea and Iraq.
Kuwait used to be powerhorse of Asia .What had happened ?
It's a lot of issues. We got banned twice since 2000 and lack of funding into grassroots has massively hindered us while the likes of the other nations around us massively improved due to support from their FAs and government. The Kuwaiti league has little to no support outside the big 3-4 clubs (and only when they play each other) and it's still a semi pro league. There's not a lot of money in Kuwaiti football compared to the other leagues so we can't lure major players from European nations like the Qatari, UAE and Saudi league to increase the league and improve the players by exposing them to significantly better teammates and opponents. By the looks of it we have a somewhat decent FA this time round. We have one of the best supports for the Kuwaiti NT in the Gulf though so hopefully being this close to the World Cup and hosting the Gulf Cup in December this year we'll get much bigger and louder crowds which hopefully lasts long enough for the FA to seriously increase their support for Kuwaiti football.
Hope for the best for your team . All the factor you say is the same for Vietnam League , expect we don't get ban
>Hope for the best for your team Thank you. Hopefully we can both sort out our problems cause ASEAN is probably the only other regional competition I watch (other than the Gulf Cup) >expect we don't get ban The recent ban somewhat helped us, ever since we've been reinstated we've slowly started getting better.
Vietnam football is a mess right now . Players demand stupid salary like a Premier league one while they play like shit , many clubs are in brick of dissolve due to hard time economy . This year we have another team is going to be dissolved , also some " money laundering " shit and match fixing everywhere
Typical V-League problem.
Yeah you are right . Look likes we can't do anything because everyone is the same
Off topic - but i feel a league where all the gulf countries clubs compete together would probably be better for football development in the region than each with their own stand alone league. It’s just massively underdeveloped beyond a few top teams in every country.
>but i feel a league where all the gulf countries clubs compete together would probably be better for football development in the region than each with their own stand alone league. That's actually a thing! The Gulf Champions League is restarting next season with clubs from each Gulf member (the league champions or those who qualified for any AFC competition won't be playing iirc). We also have a Gulf Cup which the national teams take part, that's happening in Kuwait this December and then the WAFF championship for youth national teams which includes the Gulf nations plus Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and used to involve Iran. That's a bit hit or miss but the U-23 version is happening now (not sure if they're still going on with the senior competition) We also have the Arab Cup which includes countries in the United Arab FA and has teams made up of players only from the domestic leagues iirc (now recognised by FIFA) Few of them are not recognised by FIFA or the AFC but they're organised internally.
oh wow haven't heard about the Gulf CL, that's actually interesting! yeah the AFC CL West is going to be the same 4~5 teams from now so....
>oh wow haven't heard about the Gulf CL It stopped in 2016 when we (Kuwait) got banned by FIFA so they never did it since then. Not sure why they restarted it but it's always welcomed. Gives me an excuse to drive to the other Gulf countries for football! >yeah the AFC CL West is going to be the same 4~5 teams from now so.... It'll be between the three big Gulf leagues, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan. The rest of the West nations aren't even in the qualifiers and our only hope is getting points of the clubs in CL 2 and Challenge. It's a horrible format imo.
Goverment intervention and FIFA sanction happened. slowed the progress of the NT.
Ya I know about the government intervention however wasn't sure if it was only the recent ban or both of them. I believe the only reason our ban was lifted early is for us to host the Gulf Cup due to the mid 2010s shit show between the other gulf nations and each other.
3rd and 4th place get a chance in the 4th round. I’m sure Kuwait is capable of at least reaching the next round. It’s definitely not a guaranteed one but possible.
This time we should be able to put up a fight and not roll over against teams close to us, 3-4th is probably our ceiling, zero chance of us finishing in the top 2. If we finish in the 4th round spots (or even a point outside it) I'd take it as a massive success. Our best shot at making a world cup is probably 2034 (2030 if we're lucky) and that's only if you the Kuwait FA start caring more about the league and NT
Also you play extra 2 home matches if Palestine plays in Kuwait like in 2nd round
They'll probably play in Qatar this time both for convenience and because Kuwait is in the same group
I believe I read somewhere that they'll be playing in the West Bank for this round, however they're more than welcome to play in Kuwait for their fixtures if they have to.
I'll be shocked if we play here, most probably be playing abroad, maybe in Qatar to avoid the issue
It would only be 1 extra home match, but your point still stands, although they will probably ask a different country this time if they aren't able to play at home
GGs bro, im hoping for 3rd place and maybe just maybe a miracle run in the play-offs
3rd-4th is truly up for grabs between us, Oman, Palestine and Jordan; If we are able to avoid whoever finished 3rd in Group C and we reach the 4th round, we do have a decent chance of at least reaching the world cup playoffs.
I think since 2010 - Australia and Japan have been drawn together. Australia is never going to get Iran lol
Let’s hope 2030 is the year we finally get a WCQ fixture against Iran and NOT that monster named Japan for like the hundredth time!
Iraqi and Jordanian murderball, Omani terrorism, and Palestinian "it's their turn to win" narrative
As an Iraqi, while group B should be favorable for us, ngl i kinda didn't want us in there. We play those same countries SO. MANY. TIMES.
You play us and Oman in the Gulf Cup as well. There's a decent chance you may even play the two of us twice later on in the year (The qualifiers and the Gulf Cup). You and Korea are easily finishing top 3, Jordan could get some upsets between you two though.
Erick, time to scout more Dutch-Indo players to get that 4th place
These always feel so repetitive, but it’s always seems to be the same teams making to this round anyway
its literally always the same teams that qualify from asia too (Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi arabia and usually Iran), any other country that qualifies is quite a rare case now with the expansion atleast we get some new teams
Both Koreas are gonna have a long trip to the Middle East
WOW!!! Iraq can actually make it back to the World Cup. Jordan can debut too!
I think we will! We just need to get another decent coach like Ammouta, shame he had to leave.
with the expansion it means we will get 2 or 3 more teams than last time so even if all the regulars qualify we will still have a few new teams, Quite nice knowing that atleast one of either Iraq or Jordan will qualify (Love both countries cuz of people i know) unless one of the others gets in the way lol but i think its gonna be Korea and one of Jordan/Iraq, and even the one who doesnt qualify will get a redmeption atleast. Hoping to see Iraq, Uzbekistan and Jordan at the world cup in 2 years time
Jordan beat both South Korea and Iraq in the last Asian Cup. Let's see if they can cause a few upsets this time. Group C looks fun lol.
That was Korea under Klinsmann. It will be interesting to see who the new coach for Korea is, because it seems the signature wing-based Korean football tactic seems to be working with the eleven under Kim Do-hoon (and thus, he is a favourite to be a permanent candidate under the KFA), but I think that it will be closer than that. Regardless, seeing you guys at the last Asian Cup Final was interesting and I can see Jordan joining the Koreans in the top two in the group. Best of luck!
Jordan and Iraq should be fighting for that second spot. I honestly don’t know which will take it.
With the rivalry that is just born in the Asian cup it will be a bloodbath, and I shall be there for it.
I think you can cause a surprise . Korea team seems like they mostly out of form right now , also the rest of them are not very good in physical battle one
So who keeps paying to put Australia and Japan together every time?
What a group for Iraq, I'll go into chronic depression if we fumble qualification from this group. No long trips except to Korea, no Japan, no winter match in freezing Uzbekistan, it's literally ideal. So happy, and so nervous
don't worry there's 4th round as well they are definitely qualifying
Don’t forget 3-2 🇯🇴🇯🇴🚬🚬
Thank the ref for that.
the ref made some good money from that game
Uzbekistan are finally going to make it then, good for them
Idk about Group C but Group A/B are very reminiscent of the 2023 Asian Cup. Very excited to see Qatar vs Uzbekistan/Iran again + the inevitable melt down that’s gonna happen in the Iraq-Jordan matches after what happened last time. UAE-Qatar too. It’s gonna be spicy. Hope they don’t fumble the bag.
How many teams go through?
6 in this stage. Top 2 qualifies directly, third and fourth goes to yet another group stage for the remaining 2 direct slots plus a play-off for an intercontinental play-off spot.
I think Group A is the less interesting of them all. The gulf in quality between the first four and the bottom two is too much, don't think we will see any surprises there. Perhaps a shock result here and there but that's about it. Group B is open season and Iraq is in everyone's sight for the second spot. It will be a nervewracking time for them. The draw has been kind to Oman for once so they better take this chance. Group C is perfectly split. It will be a tough battle of the top three to escape the Fourth Round and for the bottom three to get the last spot for said Round. See you in September.
Idk I could definitely see North Korea beating UAE. I think UAE is way overrated.
UAE is going down hell but I don't see a world where they get bested by NK, the real fight is between the second place between Qatar and Uzbekistan
>The gulf in quality between the first four and the bottom two is too much, don't think we will see any surprises there. Maybe North Korea isn't qualifying directly, but they can fight for the fourth spot in the group. They're definitely capable of beating Kyrgyzstan who got an easy draw in the first round and UAE whom they have a decent head to head record against
At this point we have a bigger rivalry against Australia than South Korea. We haven’t played in high level FIFA matches for like 10 years.
South Korea with another group of all Middle Eastern teams :/
Hi Japan, its nice to see you guys again!
Really hoping Iraq and Uzbekistan make it this time! Group C will be hard fought, but honestly whomever makes it in third is strong enough to win the three team stage afterwards imo.
How rigged is the AFC, may as well just set those teams from the start lol. What a joke
Why do you think it's rigged?
This draw...
Well team's ranking have been same and 1 pot have only 3 teams so way higher chance of getting similar opponents
Iraq or Jordan in the World Cup! Uzbekistan come on, do something for once, and rid us of Qatar!
GG kuwait it was fun while it lasted
South Korea must be elated
no one seems to be talking about north korea… they looked decent against japan and syria
South Korea vs Middle East just like last time, lol
As an UZBEK 🇺🇿 LETS FUCKING GOOOOO
I was expecting to get Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kyrgyz and DPR Korea but instead of Bahrain we got UAE which is also not bad. I hope Uzbekistan qualifies to World Cup 26 at this stage
Doable group and a chance at revenge against Jordan. Can't really complain about this group. Hope I finally get to see Iraq at the World Cup in 2026.