Get ready for the ultimate guide to the 2022 asian world cup qualifier. Learn about the teams, schedule, venues, and predictions for this exciting tournament.
Introduction
The Asian World Cup Qualifier is a crucial football competition that determines which teams will represent Asia at the FIFA World Cup. The tournament takes place every four years and is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The competition is fiercely contested, with some of the biggest footballing nations in the world vying for a place at the World Cup.
The 2022 Asian World Cup Qualifier promises to be an exciting and closely contested tournament. With so much at stake, the participating teams will be looking to bring their A-game to the competition. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Asian World Cup Qualifier, the teams competing, the format of the competition, key matches to watch, and the venues and schedule.
Teams Competing
The 2022 Asian World Cup Qualifier will feature 12 teams from the Asian region. These teams will be split into two groups of six, with each team playing each other home and away. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third-placed teams will enter a play-off round.
The teams competing in the 2022 Asian World Cup Qualifier are:
- Australia
- China PR
- Iran
- Iraq
- Japan
- Korea Republic
- Lebanon
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Of these teams, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are considered the favorites to qualify for the World Cup. However, with the competition being so closely contested, any of the teams could potentially cause an upset and qualify for the World Cup.
Format of the Competition
The 2022 Asian World Cup Qualifier will feature a total of 18 matchdays, with each team playing 10 matches. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third-placed teams will enter a play-off round.
The format of the competition is as follows:
- Group Stage: The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six. Each team will play each other home and away, for a total of 10 matches per team. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the third-placed teams will enter a play-off round.
- Play-off Round: The two third-placed teams from each group will play each other in a two-legged play-off round. The winner of each tie will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.
- Inter-confederation Play-offs: The winner of the play-off round will face a team from another confederation in a two-legged play-off. The winner of this tie will qualify for the World Cup.
Key Matches to Watch
The Asian World Cup Qualifier will feature some exciting and closely contested matches. Here are some of the key matches to watch out for:
- Japan vs. South Korea: This match is always a fiercely contested affair between two of the biggest footballing nations in Asia. Both teams will be looking to secure their place at the World Cup, making this a must-watch match.
- Australia vs. Saudi Arabia: Australia and Saudi Arabia are both considered strong contenders to qualify for the World Cup. This match will be a crucial one for both teams, and could potentially determine who finishes top of their group.
- Iran vs. Iraq: This is another match that is sure to be closely contested. Iran is one of the strongest teams in Asia, while Iraq will be looking to cause an upset and qualify for the World Cup.
- United Arab Emirates vs. Vietnam: This match may not feature two of the biggest footballing nations in Asia, but it is sure to be an exciting one. Both teams will be looking to secure their place at the World Cup, making this a must-watch match.
Players to Watch Out For
The Asian World Cup Qualifier will feature some of the best footballers in the world. Here are some players to watch out for:
- Keisuke Honda (Japan): Honda is one of the most experienced players in the Japan squad. The former AC Milan and CSKA Moscow midfielder will be looking to use his experience to help Japan qualify for the World Cup.
- Son Heung-min (South Korea): Son is a key player for South Korea and one of the best players in the Premier League. The Tottenham Hotspur forward will be looking to use his pace and skill to help his team qualify for the World Cup.
- Ali Mabkhout (United Arab Emirates): Mabkhout is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the United Arab Emirates squad. The Al-Jazira striker will be looking to continue his goalscoring form and help his team qualify for the World Cup.
- Wu Lei (China PR): Wu is one of the most talented players in the China PR squad. The Espanyol forward will be looking to use his skill and speed to help his team qualify for the World Cup.