It has been over two years since the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For many soccer fans worldwide, this means another four long years before the next FIFA World Cup in 2026, based in three countries: The United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, behind the scenes, national teams worldwide are already fighting for a spot through the World Cup Qualifiers. The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers began on September 7, 2023, and are expected to end around March 31, 2026. Here is a recap of World Cup qualifying matches this month.
Asia (AFC)
In Asia, participating countries in the qualifying matches led by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are placed in nine different groups. The Asian World Cup Qualifiers are currently in the third round of the competition. Japan was easily the most impressive and in-form team during September, with the Samurai Blue scoring an impressive 12 goals in two matches, winning seven to zero against China and five to zero against Bahrain. Many world-renowned stars scored for Japan during the two matches, with the likes of Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, AC Monaco’s Takumi Minamino, and Brighton’s Kataru Mitoma all finding the net last week, showcasing the talent and capabilities of theirNational Team. In a shocking result, the hosts of the previous World Cup, Qatar, drew in an exciting two to two match against the North Korean National Team. The Korean side took an early lead in the 19th minute with an incredible strike from forward Ri il Song. However, after North Korea received a red card, Qatari star Akram Afif equalized with a penalty and Qatar soon took a two to one lead. In the 51st minute, North Korea equalized, ending the match in a draw. Qatari manager Marquez Lopez described the draw as a “defeat.”
South America (CONMEBOL)
In South America, the World Cup Qualifiers are held in a league format, where the top six teams qualify for the World Cup group stage while seventh place progresses toward qualification play-offs. World Cup winner Argentina currently leads the group with 18 points, defeating Chile in a comfortable three to zero victory, with Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister, Serie A veteran Paulo Dybala, and Julian Alvarez, who recently transferred to Spanish giant Atletico Madrid, all finding the net. Argentina’s next match was a surprise to many, as the South American team lost two to one to Columbia, with Columbian superstar James Rodriguez dominating the match, picking up an assist and a goal from a penalty kick. Columbia are currently behind Argentina in second place, with 16 points, and are also undefeated.
Perhaps the most shocking performance for many international fans is Brazil’s performance during the qualifiers stage. Widely considered by many to be the best-performing national team in history, Brazil currently are ranked fifth in the group, tied with Venezuela, who is ranked 40th in the world. Last week, Brazil suffered a humiliating defeat against Paraguay, losing one to zero, with Inter Miami star Diego Gomez scoring early in the 20th minute. This result surprised many, with media outlets such as The Athletic reporting that Brazil’s chances to qualify for the 2026 World Cup are becoming slimmer. The result of the match also does not help the case of Brazilian manager Dorival Junior, who claimed in a press conference that Brazil will progress to the 2026 World Cup Final, claiming to have “no doubts.”
Although not many soccer fans watch the World Cup qualifiers, it nonetheless is an important part of football, determining the teams we love to watch every four years at the Fifa World Cup.
