Asian countries are not just making up the numbers at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026.For the first time, Asia has nine of its members at the World Cup in North America. Pre-tournament murmurs suggested the increase in numbers could dilute the competitive factor at the global sporting spectacle, but at least the first-round results suggest the fears were unfounded.Six of the nine teams picked up encouraging results: South Korea came from behind to edge past Czechia, Australia put it across Turkiye, Japan held highly rated Netherlands to an entertaining 2-2 with a last-gasp goal, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran took points off higher ranked opponents.Even Jordan and Uzbekistan were brave in their approach on World Cup debut.“I am not surprised at all,” said former Croatia coach Igor Stimac, who has considerable experience of coaching on the continent with spells in Iran, Qatar and India as national team coach for five years. “I have followed these teams and they showed a lot of heart with their performances. Jordan and Uzbekistan were enjoying football, playing their hearts out on the biggest stage. There was no parking the bus, regardless of the gulf in rankings between them and the opponents.”Of course, it’s just the first round but like Shaji Prabhakaran says there’s no harm in celebrating what has been a “great opening period” for Asian football.“The start against European opponents was terrific,” Prabhakaran, executive committee member at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), told TOI in a video call from the US. “Asian football has been on the rise. Japan and Korea have plenty of players in Europe. They are dangerous and I expect at least one Asian team to go far. Japan have been very consistent. Their engaging draw against Netherlands would have given them confidence that they can give anyone a run for their reputation at the World Cup.”Prabhakaran said Asian teams no longer fear higher-ranked European or South American opposition, as evident from South Korea’s coming from behind to edge past Czechia 2-1, Australia putting it across Turkiye and Saudi Arabia’s hard-fought draw against Uruguay which leaves Group H deadlocked after Cape Verde’s stunning draw against Spain.If the first round was full of hope, second round games proved to be a dampener.Qatar’s 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Canada was a painful watch. It was followed by two other losses for Asian sides: South Korea suffering against Mexico, and the United States handing Australia a lesson in their 2-0 win.“Regardless of the results early in the second round, there is plenty at stake for Asian sides,” said Prabhakaran. “All nine teams are in contention for a place in the round of 32 and I believe we will have representation, for sure, in the quarterfinals. From there, it’s anybody’s game.”
