As the dust settles on the third phase of Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the landscape of Asian football appears to be shifting dramatically. Traditional powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia are still expected to shine, but they are now sharing the limelight with rising stars the likes of Uzbekistan
Ayase Ueda
As the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, Japan stands on the brink of making history with an expected eighth consecutive appearance in this prestigious tournament. The Samurai Blue have been a powerhouse in Group C, holding an impressive nine-point cushion over their nearest rivals. With four matches remaining,
Japan has always been known for its attacking talent, but the challenge has been getting all of these talented players to work together seamlessly. However, in the recent Group C campaign against China, Samurai Blue coach Hajime Moriyasu showcased a new system that seems to have unlocked the full potential of the team. The 3-4-2-1