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Where to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers: Free vs Paid Platforms, TV Channels & Live Streams

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Where to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers: Free vs Paid Platforms, TV Channels & Live Streams

The latest FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers live streaming guide: Free & Paid Ways to Catch Every Kick! Are you eager to follow your favorite Asian football teams as they battle for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Whether you’re rooting for Japan, South Korea, Iran, or an underdog aiming for a historic qualification, knowing where to watch the AFC qualifiers is key. This comprehensive guide breaks down free and paid streaming options for every region, ensuring you never miss a goal, tackle, or dramatic last-minute winner. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., will expand to 48 teams—meaning Asia has 8.5 spots up for grabs. From the thrilling group stages to the nail-biting playoff rounds, the AFC qualifiers are packed with must-watch action. But with broadcast rights split across different platforms (and some free, some paid), finding reliable streams can be tricky. Here’s what you’ll discover: Free live streams for budget-friendly fans (yes, even without a subscription!); Paid platforms with premium coverage and exclusive features; Regional guides for Australia, China, India, Japan, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and more; Device tips for watching on phones, TVs, laptops, and smart devices; Don’t Miss These Key Matches. The qualification journey is heating up! Keep an eye on: Third Round groups (ongoing until June 2025) where Japan, Iran, and South Korea are already through; Fourth Round (October 2025) and Fifth Round (November 2025) playoff showdowns for the last World Cup spots; Historic moments like Jordan and Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup qualifications. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to catch the excitement, this guide cuts through the noise to help you stream matches hassle-free. Let’s dive into the best free and paid ways to watch the 2026 AFC qualifiers—no matter where you are!

Cover Photo:the-afc.com

2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers: Latest Updates & Qualified Teams!

Hey, football fans! Today, let's talk about the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC). This is how Asian teams are vying for spots in the 48 - team World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Asia has a total of 9 potential slots, with 8 direct berths and 1 inter - confederation play - off spot.

Qualification Structure

The qualification process is made up of five rounds. The first two rounds also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

First Round (October 2023): 20 of the lowest - ranked teams in Asia (27th - 46th) engaged in two - legged ties. The 10 winning teams advanced to the second round.

Second Round (November 2023 - June 2024): 36 teams, which included the top 25 teams in Asia and the 10 first - round winners, were divided into nine groups of four. The top two teams from each group, a total of 18 teams, qualified for the third round and the Asian Cup.

Third Round (September 2024 - June 2025): 18 teams were split into three groups of six. The top two teams from each group directly qualified for the World Cup. The third - and fourth - placed teams entered the fourth round. The third - round AFC matches were held from 5 September 2024 to 10 June 2025.

Fourth Round (October 2025): Six teams (the third - and fourth - placed teams from the third round) will form two groups of three. The group winners will qualify for the World Cup, while the runners - up will move on to the fifth round. The matches will take place from October 8 - 14, 2025.

Fifth Round (November 2025): The two fourth - round runners - up will play a two - legged tie. The winner will represent Asia in the inter - confederation play - offs. The fifth - round matches are scheduled for November 13 - 18, 2025.

Latest Results and Standings (as of June 2025)

Third Round Groups:

Group A: Iran (20 points, +9 GD) and Uzbekistan (17 points, +4 GD) have qualified.

Group B: South Korea (16 points, +7 GD) and Jordan (13 points, +6 GD) have secured their spots. Jordan has qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever!

Group C: Japan (20 points, +22 GD) and Australia (13 points, +7 GD) advanced. Australia sealed its spot with a 2 - 1 win over Saudi Arabia on June 11, 2025.

Qualified Teams (as of June 2025):

Direct Qualifiers: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia.

Remaining Spots: Two more teams will emerge from the fourth round (the third - and fourth - placed teams from the third - round groups).

Key Developments

Historic Qualifications: Uzbekistan and Jordan have achieved their first - ever World Cup qualifications. South Korea has extended its streak to 11 consecutive tournaments.

Play - off Bound Teams: The UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia (the third - and fourth - placed teams in their third - round groups) will compete in the fourth round for the remaining spots.

Inter - Confederation Play - offs: The fifth - round winner will join teams from CONCACAF, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC to compete for the final two World Cup spots in March 2026.

What’s Next?

Fourth Round (Oct 2025): 6 teams battle in neutral venues for 2 more direct spots.

Fifth Round (Nov 2025): Last-chance playoff for the inter-confederation slot.

Inter-Confederation Playoffs (Mar 2026): Winner faces teams from other continents for a final WC ticket.

Where to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Qualifiers: Complete Live Streaming Guide

The road to the 2026 World Cup is heating up in Asia! With thrilling matches and historic qualifications underway, here's your ultimate guide to watching every AFC qualifier live—whether you're cheering for Japan, South Korea, Australia, or an underdog like Jordan or Uzbekistan.

How to Watch AFC World Cup Qualifiers Live

1️⃣Top Platforms for Live Coverage

FIFA+ (Free & Official)

Watch select 2nd round AFC qualifiers live and free on FIFA’s official platform! No registration needed.

Selected matches streamed live for free.

Includes highlights, replays, and expert analysis.

Stream on FIFA+

Unbeaten (AQ Official Broadcaster)

Premium coverage of key matches with smooth streaming.
Visit Unbeaten

YouTube - AFC Asian Cup Channel

Subscribe for live matches and highlights from the official AFC channel.
YouTube AFC Channel

2️⃣Official AFC Broadcasters (By Country)

Visit the-AFC.com for full broadcaster details.

Key Broadcasters by Region

Asia-Pacific

Territory	Broadcast Platform (Click to Stream)
Australia	10 Play (Paramount+)
China PR	iQiyi
India	Fancode (3rd round live)
Japan	DAZN / TV Asahi
South Korea	Coupang Play · KBS · MBC · SBS
Hong Kong, China	RTHK
Macau	M Plus / TDM
Indonesia	MNC Play
Middle East (Iran/Saudi)	beIN Sports
Thailand	BG Sports YouTube