As the fourth stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup approaches, the debate has intensified regarding the venue for the Asian playoff matches, amid increasing rejection from some Asian teams of the proposed hosting distribution by the Asian Football Confederation.

According to the new system approved by the Asian Confederation, 6 teams have qualified for the fourth round "playoff": Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Indonesia, Qatar, and the UAE.

These teams have been divided into two groups, each consisting of 3 teams. Each team will play two matches within the group, and the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up of the groups will play a playoff match, with the winner facing the representative of South America for the final qualification spot.

The Asian Confederation announced that the matches of the first group will be held in Saudi Arabia, while the second group will be played in Qatar. This decision has sparked widespread objections from the other teams, led by Iraq, the UAE, Oman, and Indonesia, who have called for the matches to be held on neutral ground to ensure fairness and transparency in the competition.

These teams have confirmed that playing matches on the territory of some participating teams (Saudi Arabia and Qatar) undermines the principle of equal opportunities, especially since every point will be crucial in the path to World Cup qualification.

The Iraqi Football Association was one of the first to object, sending an official letter to the Asian Confederation requesting a reconsideration of the hosting venues, emphasizing that fairness should be the cornerstone of any decision made at this sensitive stage.

So far, no official decision has been made to change the locations of the playoff matches, but the collective pressure from 4 strong teams may force the Asian Confederation to seriously consider the "neutral ground" proposal, especially with the rising media and public calls for it.