Asia Has Most Eliminated Teams at World Cup 2026
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has nine representatives at World Cup 2026, but only two advance: Japan and Australia.
After 17 competition days, World Cup 2026 determined 32 teams for round of 32. Among 16 eliminated teams, AFC has most with seven slots (43.75%): South Korea, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, Iran.
Iran held breath until last minute waiting for advancement slot. Before today's matches, Iran stood third in Group G with three points, zero goal difference. Ghaleonei's team ranked sixth among third-place teams, projected with 80% chance to advance.
Iran players walk around stadium thanking fans after 1-1 draw with Egypt in final match of Group G, World Cup 2026, at Seattle stadium, USA, June 26, 2026. Photo: AP
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However, today's matches ended with bad results. Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Group L, Uzbekistan lost 1-3 to DR Congo in Group K, Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in Group J. Thus, Iran dropped from sixth to ninth among third-place teams. Senegal ranked above with three points, +2 goal difference after 5-0 win against Iraq in Group I final match.
Regarding advancement rate, AFC reached 22.2%, only above Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) which had sole representative New Zealand finish bottom of Group G.
Other confederations achieved advancement rates over 50%: CONCACAF 50%, Europe 81.25%, South America 83.3%, Africa 90%.
Compared to Qatar 2022, Asia had six slots but 50% advancement rate, equal to South America, behind Europe (61.5%). Africa had 40%, CONCACAF 25%.
Confederation Teams Advance Group Winners Bottom of Group****Asia 9 2 0 5Africa 10 9 0 1CONCACAF 6 3 2 3South America 6 5 3 0Oceania 1 0 0 1Europe 16 13 7 2
Average points of Asian teams was 2, only above Oceania (1). South America highest with 5.5 points, followed by Europe (5.25), Africa (4), CONCACAF (3.33).
This reflects positions in 12 groups. Europe has seven group leaders: Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, England. Followed by South America with Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and CONCACAF with Mexico, USA.
Meanwhile, Asia has two runners-up: Japan, Australia. Africa has five runners-up, four advancing via third-place slots.
Number of Asian teams finishing bottom is five: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan. Followed by CONCACAF (3), Europe (2), Africa (1), Oceania (1).
Asian teams risk total elimination in round of 32, as top hope Japan faces Brazil. Meanwhile, Australia meets Egypt.
World Cup 2026 knockout stage starts tomorrow morning June 29. Final match takes place morning July 20, Hanoi time.
Trung Thu
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