AFC ASIAN QUALIFIERS: Round 2 set for take off
The cast for Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification was finalised on Tuesday.
21/10/2023 17:16:43
History makers Pakistan led nine other teams from Round 1 after an exciting day of second leg matches, with the South Asian side booking their spot after a 1-0 aggregate win over Cambodia.
Pakistan will continue their bid in Group G of Round 2, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tajikistan their opponents.
Afghanistan defeated Mongolia 1-0 on Tuesday for a 2-0 aggregate win and they join Qatar, India and Kuwait in Group A.
Myanmar were held to a goalless draw by Macau but the Southeast Asian side had done the job in the first leg, winning 5-1 and they will now face Japan, Syria and DPR Korea in Round 2
Singapore edged Guam 1-0 on Tuesday for a 3-1 win on aggregate to advance to Group C alongside Korea Republic, China PR and Thailand.
Chinese Taipei are the fourth team in Group D, thanks to their 7-0 aggregate win over Timor-Leste. They will face Oman, Kyrgyz Republic and Malaysia.
Hong Kong, China overcame a scare from Bhutan, winning 4-2 on aggregate despite a 2-0 loss on Tuesday, to advance to Group E with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran to contend with.
Indonesia were unstoppable against Brunei Darussalam, winning both legs by 6-0 margins, and the Southeast Asian side will aim to carry their form into Group F with Iraq, Vietnam and the Philippines awaiting them.
Yemen and Nepal advanced following wins over Sri Lanka and Laos respectively, joining United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in Group H.
Bangladesh defeated South Asian rivals Maldives 3-2 on aggregate to book their spot in Group I, with Indonesia, Palestine and Lebanon their opponents.
Matchday One of Round 2 will be played on November 16.
Source: AFC