Uzbekistan and Jordan: qualified for the first time for the 2026 World Cup!

Uzbekistan and Jordan: qualified for the first time for the 2026 World Cup!

On June 5, 2025, the time has finally come: Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified for a World Cup for the first time. This historical achievement is the result of hard work and an exciting race in the Asian qualification for the FIFA World Championship 2026. Uzbekistan secured the ticket after it achieved a 0-0 draw in Abu Dhabi against the United Arab Emirates. The team in Asian qualification group A thus took second place behind the already qualified Iran. Jordan, on the other hand, celebrated a clear 3-0 victory in Oman and can also no longer fall out of the ranks of ascent.

A total of ten of the 48 participants have already been determined for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. In addition to Uzbekistan and Jordan, the teams already qualified include the three host countries as well as defending champion Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. Before this success, Uzbekistan narrowly missed the World Cup qualification several times, including in 2005, when they had to repeat a decisive game against Bahrain due to a wrong decision by the referee, and in 2014, when they failed in penalty shooting against Jordan. vienna.at reports that this successful qualification is an important milestone for the Uzbek football team.

structure of the qualification

The qualification for the 2026 World Cup was remarkable for Asia, since the number of guaranteed starting places was increased from 4.5 to 8, with the possibility of another via intercontinental playoffs. For the first time, the Asian challenge was structured in such a way that 22 of the lowest placed AFC members compete against each other in the first round, followed by a second round, which comprises 9 groups with 4 teams each. 18 teams then competed in the third round, with the first two teams of each group qualified directly to the 2026 World Cup. The last two teams of each group had the opportunity to secure the last possible starting place through intercontinental playoffs. Fussballdaten.de provides detailed information about the entire qualification process.

The Asia Group also had known favorites and challengers. The strong nations included Japan, South Korea, Iran and Australia, while emerging teams such as Uzbekistan and Jordan drew attention. Uzbekistan is ranked 62 in the FIFA world rankings, which should offer additional motivation for the team to prove itself on the international stage. The performance of the team in the qualification was particularly outstanding, which it should finally bring to the first World Cup participation.

the World Cup 2026 and its meaning

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a special turning point for Asian football. The extended competition not only enables teams from Asia to take part in the prestigious event, but also offers opportunities for medium-class teams to assert themselves internationally. However, the challenges should not be underestimated, since various aspects such as geographical and climatic conditions, infrastructural differences and political tensions can influence competition.

Overall, there is a new way for Uzbekistan and Jordan to present Asian football on a global stage. Kicker.de states that the way to the World Cup is of great importance for both nations and is a source of hope for both players as well as for the fans. Both teams have the chance to rewrite their football history and use the World Cup as a springboard for future successes.