Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Host Fourth Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

AFC officially announced through its website that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will host the fourth round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Six teams will compete in this fourth round — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Oman will be divided into two groups of three teams.

In preparation for hosting, Saudi Arabia plans to participate in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The group draw will take place in mid-July — while the fourth round matches are scheduled for early October 2025.

The competition system stipulates that the winners of each group will receive direct tickets to the 2026 World Cup.