Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host 2026 World Cup Qualifiers playoff

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a significant decision regarding the fourth round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers — Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been appointed as co-hosts.

According to AFC official letter No. 59/2025, both countries will host the playoff matches scheduled for October 2025.

Six national teams will compete in this fourth round:

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

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the Qatar Football Association and Saudi Arabian Football Federation as Host Member Associations for the upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff,” states the official AFC announcement.

This competition will be decisive — two best teams will secure automatic tickets to the 2026 World Cup finals.