Football · Regional team guide
World Cup 2026 Asia: Teams and Player Guide
Explore the 9 AFC participants at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This guide pairs each national team with one selected squad member and provides a practical way to begin watching their football.
Two first appearances and a broad field
Jordan and Uzbekistan made their first finals appearances in 2026. Their presence adds a different story to the regional directory: established World Cup participants and first-time entrants belonged to the same competition, but arrived with different histories.
For a Pakistan-based fan, this guide is an accessible starting point for exploring nearby football cultures. Choose one country, read its squad list and compare the positions represented rather than assuming all Asian teams play alike.
Teams and selected players
| Team | Selected player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Jordan Bos | Defender |
| Iraq | Aymen Hussein | Forward |
| IR Iran | Mehdi Taremi | Forward |
| Japan | Takefusa Kubo | Midfielder |
| Jordan | Mousa Al-Tamari | Forward |
| Korea Republic | Son Heung-min | Forward |
| Qatar | Akram Afif | Forward |
| Saudi Arabia | Salem Al-Dawsari | Forward |
| Uzbekistan | Abdukodir Khusanov | Defender |
Positions follow the broad categories in FIFA’s squad list. These are editorial selections, not official “best player” awards or a claim that every player appeared in every match.
Look beyond the forward line
The selected names include attackers, a midfielder and defenders. Use that range to practise watching off the ball. When a defender has possession, who offers support? When the attack moves wide, who protects the central area? The same questions can help you appreciate teams you have not watched before.
Continue exploring
Return to the complete 48-team directory to compare regions, or read the tournament guide for the format and official awards. When reviewing a match, distinguish a confirmed event from your interpretation and explain which moment led you to that view.