AFC chooses Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host World Cup 2026 qualifiers

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has designated Saudi Arabia and Qatar as hosts for the fourth round of World Cup 2026 Asian zone qualifiers — the decision was conveyed through official letter Number 59/2025.

“Number 59/2025. Host of World Cup 2026 Asian Zone Qualifiers – Playoff Road to 26 confirmed. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Qatar Football Association and Saudi Arabian Football Federation as Host Member Associations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers – Playoff Road to 26,” states the AFC letter.

Six nations will compete this October for two automatic tickets to the 2026 World Cup:

• Team Indonesia
• Iraq
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

The fourth round matches are scheduled for October 8-14, 2025 — the top two teams will advance directly to the 2026 World Cup finals.