Results of the Asian Playoff in the History of World Cup Qualifiers
The continental playoff has been a pivotal stage in the journey of many national teams, writing thrilling chapters between the joy of qualification and the bitterness of elimination. The following milestones draw a timeline of the most notable results of this playoff from the 1998 edition until today, with a note on what awaits the Asian representative in the 2026 edition.
In 1998, the Iranian team qualified at the expense of Australia after a dramatic encounter decided by away goals, allowing the Iranians to reach the finals in France and leaving the Australians one step away from their dream.
In 2002, the Republic of Ireland qualified at the expense of Iran, reaching the Asian World Cup held in Korea and Japan, while the Iranian journey stopped at the playoff despite a highly competitive performance in both legs.
In 2006, Bahrain lost to Trinidad and Tobago, allowing the Caribbean team to secure a historic ticket to the World Cup in Germany, leaving Bahrain very close to an unprecedented achievement.
In 2010, Bahrain again missed the chance to qualify for the World Cup after being eliminated by New Zealand, complicating the playoff curse for Bahraini football which was close to the dream twice in a row.
In 2014, Uruguay defeated Jordan and secured a ticket to the World Cup in Brazil, with technical superiority and experience prevailing in the home-and-away matches.
In 2018, the Australian team qualified at the expense of Honduras and reached the finals in Russia, affirming its consecutive World Cup presence after joining the Asian Football Confederation.
In 2022, the Australian team repeated the scenario and qualified at the expense of Peru through penalty shootouts in an exciting playoff held in Doha, securing their passage to the Qatar World Cup.
As for 2026, one match remains for the Asian representative in the global playoff, where Iraq awaits the winner of the Bolivia vs Suriname match to face them in the playoff final directly qualifying to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In 1998, the Iranian team qualified at the expense of Australia after a dramatic encounter decided by away goals, allowing the Iranians to reach the finals in France and leaving the Australians one step away from their dream.
In 2002, the Republic of Ireland qualified at the expense of Iran, reaching the Asian World Cup held in Korea and Japan, while the Iranian journey stopped at the playoff despite a highly competitive performance in both legs.
In 2006, Bahrain lost to Trinidad and Tobago, allowing the Caribbean team to secure a historic ticket to the World Cup in Germany, leaving Bahrain very close to an unprecedented achievement.
In 2010, Bahrain again missed the chance to qualify for the World Cup after being eliminated by New Zealand, complicating the playoff curse for Bahraini football which was close to the dream twice in a row.
In 2014, Uruguay defeated Jordan and secured a ticket to the World Cup in Brazil, with technical superiority and experience prevailing in the home-and-away matches.
In 2018, the Australian team qualified at the expense of Honduras and reached the finals in Russia, affirming its consecutive World Cup presence after joining the Asian Football Confederation.
In 2022, the Australian team repeated the scenario and qualified at the expense of Peru through penalty shootouts in an exciting playoff held in Doha, securing their passage to the Qatar World Cup.
As for 2026, one match remains for the Asian representative in the global playoff, where Iraq awaits the winner of the Bolivia vs Suriname match to face them in the playoff final directly qualifying to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
News Related
Special Moves Regarding Tickets for Iraq's World Playoff Match!
The ticket official for the playoff match, Jamal Al-Asadi, revealed
Iranian Coach Predicts Scenario of Iraq's Playoff Match
Amid great public anticipation, all eyes continue to turn towards the match
Amir Al-Amari Reassures Iraqi Fans Ahead of Playoff Match
The Iraqi national team continues its intensive preparations in the Mexican city of Monterrey, in preparation
Iraq Receives Advice: The Smallest Detail Could Realize the World Cup Dream!
The Iraqi national team received important advice from its former player Jabbar Hashim.
Former Iraq Star Sets Four Conditions for Achieving Playoff Mission
The former star of the Iraq national team, Haider Mahmoud, has set four essential conditions
Get to Know the Area Where Iraq is Staying in Mexico
The Iraqi national team is currently staying in the San Pedro Garza area, one of the
Peter Gorkis Creates Positive Atmosphere in Monterrey Camp
Peter Gorkis, the winger of the Iraqi national team and Dohuk club, continues to make his mark
Arnold Issues Important Directives to Iraqi Players
Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, began his first training sessions on
Surprise Ignites Enthusiasm of Iraqi Players on First Day in Mexico
The Iraqi national team's training in Monterrey, Mexico, witnessed extraordinary conditions.
Arnold Relies on Five Procedures to Prepare the Team Before the Playoff Match
The Iraqi national team's delegation has landed in Mexican territory, where