By Victor Kanayo
Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified to play at the first World Cup finals in history.
This is after they booked their places.
They have now joined Argentina, Iran, Japan and New Zealand, who have booked their places in the 2026 Mundial.
Particularly, Uzbekistan played a draw with United Arab Emirates to scale through.
Jordan, on their part, qualified thanks to South Korea, who booked their place in an 11th successive finals.
It also ensured Jordan, who beat Oman 3-0 earlier on Thursday, thanks to a hat-trick from Ali Olwan, they needed an Iraq defeat to confirm their World Cup berth.
Meanwhile, Australia’s qualification hopes remain on the brink. After snatching a last-gasp win over Japan earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s 2-0 win over Bahrain means their place in the tournament is not yet confirmed.
The two sides will face each other in the final Group C game, though Saudi Arabia have an inferior goal difference (0 to Australia’s +8).
Timur Kapadze’s side sealed their passage after guaranteeing second place behind Iran in Group A of the AFC Qualifying Third Round with a game to spare.
