Asian Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026
A record nine AFC nations reached the finals, with Uzbekistan and Jordan debuting. Here are their groups, why Malaysia is not there, and who local fans get behind. Current as of 26 June 2026.
Football is close to religion across Malaysia, even when the Harimau Malaya are not on the pitch. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first 48-team edition, and Asia has never been better represented. A record nine AFC nations made the finals, two of them for the very first time. Below is who they are, the groups they landed in, why Malaysia is not among them, and who local fans tend to cheer for instead. Live standings move match by match, so treat this as a who-is-here guide rather than a results page. As of 26 June 2026 the group stage is in its final matchdays, with the knockouts starting on 28 June.
The Record 9 AFC Nations and Their Groups
Nine Asian teams qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the most ever. They are spread across the 12 groups (A to L) as shown below.
| Asian (AFC) Nation | Group |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Group A |
| Qatar | Group B |
| Australia | Group D |
| Japan | Group F |
| Iran | Group G |
| Saudi Arabia | Group H |
| Iraq | Group I |
| Jordan | Group J |
| Uzbekistan | Group K |
That is nine flags from one confederation, a direct result of the field growing from 32 to 48 teams. You can see how each of these sides sits next to the European and South American heavyweights on our full World Cup 2026 groups page. Live points and qualification status change with every match, so for the up-to-date table and the bracket, check the official source on FIFA.com (verified as of 26 June 2026).
Two Asian Debutants: Uzbekistan and Jordan
Uzbekistan (Group K)
Uzbekistan reach the World Cup for the first time and make history as the first Central Asian nation ever to play at the finals. They share Group K with Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia, a tough first outing on the biggest stage.
Jordan (Group J)
Jordan also qualify for their maiden World Cup. They were drawn into Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, plus Algeria and Austria, so the West Asian side face a baptism of fire.
A Wider Asian Field
The two debutants join established names such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar and Iraq. Together they give Asian football its largest ever presence at a single World Cup.
Did Malaysia Qualify? No, and Here Is Why
The short answer is no. Malaysia did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The longer answer is one every Malaysian fan already knows: the Harimau Malaya have never reached a World Cup finals in the nation's entire history. Even with the tournament expanding to 48 teams and Asia receiving more places than ever, Malaysia fell short of the AFC qualifying spots.
It stings a little when nine other Asian sides made it, including first-timers Uzbekistan and Jordan. The gap is real, and the 2026 cycle continues a record that stretches back across every previous edition. For now, the goal posts for Malaysian football remain the regional stages rather than the global finals. That does not stop the country watching every kick, and it does not stop the debate over which team to adopt for the next few weeks.
Who Do Malaysian Fans Support?
With no home side to follow, Malaysian fans split their loyalty in two directions. The first is regional pride. Many back the nearby Asian teams, with Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia drawing the biggest local followings thanks to their pedigree and their familiar faces in club football. Iran, Australia, Qatar, Iraq and the two debutants pick up neutral support too, simply for flying the AFC flag.
The second direction is the traditional powers. Brazil and Argentina command huge fanbases across the country, a habit passed down through generations of early-morning viewing. England pulls in the Premier League crowd, while Portugal has a loyal Malaysian following of its own. It is common to see one household cheering for an Asian underdog in the group stage, then switching to a South American or European giant once the knockouts arrive.
- Asian picks: Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Australia, Qatar, Iraq, plus debutants Uzbekistan and Jordan.
- Global giants: Brazil, Argentina (the defending champions), England and Portugal.
Whoever you adopt, the fixtures land in the early hours Malaysian time. Plan your nights with our World Cup 2026 schedule in Malaysia time, and once the groups wrap up, follow the bracket on our Round of 32 guide.
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A record nine AFC nations qualified: Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Uzbekistan. It is the largest Asian contingent in World Cup history, helped by the expansion to 48 teams.
Two AFC sides are debutants. Uzbekistan reach the finals for the first time and become the first Central Asian nation ever to play at a World Cup. Jordan also qualify for their first World Cup.
No. Malaysia did not qualify. The Harimau Malaya have never reached a World Cup finals in the nation's history, so 2026 continues that record even with the field growing to 48 teams.
With no Harimau Malaya to follow, fans tend to back the Asian sides such as Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, alongside the traditional giants Brazil, Argentina, England and Portugal.
The group stage runs from 11 to 27 June 2026, and the new Round of 32 begins on 28 June 2026. Standings change match by match, so check the official live bracket on FIFA.com for the latest qualified teams.
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