Six Asian nations are set to compete over the next eight days for the continent’s final two spots at the 2026 World Cup, but the tournament is already mired in controversy. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has awarded hosting rights for the two decisive mini-groups to competitors Saudi Arabia and Qatar, giving them a significant home-field advantage.
The decision, announced in June without any public selection criteria, has drawn sharp criticism from the other participating nations: Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries had reportedly expressed interest in hosting or requested neutral venues, calling for transparency and fairness in the process, but their appeals were dismissed.
Adding to the frustration is a contentious scheduling arrangement. In both groups, the host nations will enjoy six days of rest between their matches. In stark contrast, their opponents are forced to play their two games within a tight 72-hour window.
Carlos Queiroz, the veteran manager recently appointed by Oman, has been particularly outspoken. The 72-year-old, who has previously qualified with South Africa, Portugal, and Iran, called the prospect of Oman advancing his biggest achievement yet. “It would be a miracle in this complicated situation,” Queiroz said, directly questioning the AFC’s integrity. “Are there no stadiums in Japan or Kuwait where we could play? Maybe the people who organised this have a different vision of football.”
His comments reflect a widespread belief that the outcome was predetermined, with rumors of the hosting decision circulating even before the official announcement. Many officials across Asia have expressed disbelief that the AFC did not simply have Saudi Arabia and Qatar host each other’s groups to create neutral territory. The AFC has not responded to requests for comment.
“They put the Saudis in Saudi and Qatar in Qatar,” a phlegmatic Queiroz added. “If they can’t see that something is wrong with this, then who are the players and coaches to make comments?”
Oman faces additional logistical hurdles, with five overseas-based players only able to join the squad a day before their first match. “I have been asking the chefs here how to make an omelette without eggs,” Queiroz remarked on the challenge.
The logistical challenges are compounded by geopolitical tensions. Indonesia has formally complained to both FIFA and the AFC after a Kuwaiti official was assigned to referee their match against Saudi Arabia. “We want a referee who is truly neutral, possibly from Europe or elsewhere, someone who has no stake in the region,” said national team official Kombes Sumardji. Indonesian officials also noted that a scheduled friendly against Kuwait was cancelled without explanation.
The controversy overshadows a tournament featuring a notable lineup of coaches, including Julen Lopetegui with Qatar, Hervé Renard returning to Saudi Arabia, Patrick Kluivert with Indonesia, and Graham Arnold managing Iraq.
With Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, and Jordan having already secured their places, the final two spots appear heavily tilted in favor of the host nations. Given the significant advantages afforded to them, it seems highly probable that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will be joining the qualified teams in North America.
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