qualifiers world cup 2026 asia round 3The first round doubled as preliminary qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.As orinally planned, the top-ranked losing team would progress directly to the third round of AsianThe ehteen teams that advanced from the second round (nine group winners and nine group runners-up) were divided into three groups of six teams. The teams will play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The top two teams of each group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will advance to the fourth round. From the teams that advance to the fourth round, the two teams with the best results in this rou…