A disappointing World Championship for Asian teams: a record number of teams, but only two passages from the group
Asian football made history at the 2026 World Cup, with a record number of nations reaching the tournament and several teams leaving their mark. Japan and Australia carried the flag into the knockout rounds, South Korea fell short despite a talented squad, and debutants like Jordan and Uzbekistan gained priceless experience. From Qatar’s struggles to Iraq’s emotional return, this review breaks down how every Asian side performed on the biggest stage.