AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification: Road to Saudi Arabia
The race to secure a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia, is heating up. The qualification process, which began in 2023, is running alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, making it a high-stakes journey for teams across Asia.
Qualification Format
The qualification is divided into multiple stages:
1. First Round:
The lowest-ranked 20 teams (27th to 46th in Asia) played two-legged home-and-away matches, with the 10 winners progressing to the second round. The three best losing teams were also given a lifeline, moving directly into the third round. The remaining six losing teams competed in a playoff round for a final chance at qualification.
2. Second Round:
A total of 36 teams (the 26 highest-ranked teams plus the 10 winners from the first round) were divided into nine groups of four. The group winners and runners-up earned a direct spot in the Asian Cup while also advancing to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. The remaining teams moved on to the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers.
3. Playoff Round:
Six teams from the first round's losing pool faced off in home-and-away fixtures. The winners—Brunei, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste—secured the final places in the third round.
4. Third Round:
The final stage of qualification features 24 teams, grouped into six groups of four. They will play home-and-away matches, with only the group winners securing a place at the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Key Teams to Watch
India: Drawn into Group C alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh, India will be aiming to top their group and qualify for their second consecutive Asian Cup.
Pakistan: After facing a FIFA suspension due to governance issues, Pakistan's return to the qualifiers marks a significant moment for their footballing future.
Syria: With political changes bringing a new era for Syrian football, their qualification journey carries symbolic importance.
When Are the Matches?
The third-round matches will be held between March 25, 2025, and March 31, 2026. With just one team from each group qualifying, every match will be crucial.
What’s at Stake?
Aside from the glory of competing in Asia's biggest football tournament, qualifying teams will also gain valuable experience and exposure, potentially paving the way for stronger performances in future World Cup campaigns.
Stay tuned as the battle for AFC Asian Cup 2027 spots intensifies, with teams fighting to secure their place on Asia's grandest football stage.
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