Seol Young-woo (#22) from South Korea stood in disbelief after his team’s 0-1 defeat to South Africa during the 2026 World Cup in Guadalupe, Mexico. Although it initially seemed promising for the Asian teams, things changed rapidly.
South Korea had an impressive start, winning against the Czech Republic. Asian teams managed to stay undefeated for four days, mostly through draw games. However, fortunes changed on the tournament’s sixth day.
This World Cup’s expanded format allowed nine teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to compete. Unfortunately, the majority, including South Korea, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan, were eliminated after the group stage. Australia and Japan were defeated in the round of 32. Ultimately, all AFC teams faced elimination, mirroring the fate of the Oceania Football Confederation, represented by New Zealand.
Japan’s team showed disappointment at their 2-1 loss to Brazil. This defeat, shared by all AFC teams, reflected deeper concerns about Asian football’s standing on an international stage.
AFC teams managed only three wins out of 29 matches. No team progressed past the knockout stage, continuing a trend seen in six previous World Cups. Paul Williams from The Asian Game suggests while Asian football shows competitive potential, a gap remains between Asia and the rest of the world.
Examining Underlying Challenges
South Korea had set high hopes, given their ranking in their group. Yet, after their initial success, dysfunction led to losses against Mexico and South Africa. Sports journalist Han June describes the challenges, citing teamwork, tactics, and strategy failures as main issues. Coaching and management issues further compounded the problems.
Accusations of favoritism regarding coach appointments sparked outrage, prompting investigations led by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Following the World Cup, resignations included coach Hong Myung-bo and Korea Football Association head Chung Mong-gyu.
Expectations were similarly unmet by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, despite their substantial financial investments in football infrastructure. World Cup newcomers Jordan and Uzbekistan failed to secure victories but delivered memorable performances. Iraq faced a challenging group and failed to progress.
Iran’s team grappled with significant challenges owing to the ongoing conflict with the U.S., disrupting their preparations and logistics, as described by Arya Nourizadeh, co-host of the podcast Asian Football Show.
The Passion for Football Across Asia
A lack of passion is not an issue for Asia. Nations like Singapore and Indonesia have a rich football history due to European colonial influences. The Gulf region is rapidly growing its football market as part of national identity transformation and cultural integration, explains Abdullah Al-Arian, an editor at Football in the Middle East.
Despite historical roots, as highlighted by Ben Weinberg, professionalization is relatively recent in Asia compared to Europe and South America, which possess generations of football culture.
The AFC, formed in 1954, has evolved to support football development. Yet, managing 47 diverse members complicates meeting each nation’s needs adequately, impacting overall regional performance.
Professionalization efforts by national associations are critical to developing players and coaches effectively, though resources might often dilute.
Building Experience Internationally
Asian teams require more international exposure to succeed internationally. Many players are venturing into European leagues, yet further experience is needed, notes Paul Williams from The Asian Game.
Nourizadeh suggests increased inter-Asian matches could enhance development. The existing Asian Cup, held every four years, contrasts with potential competitive events for all 47 AFC members.
The Future Of Asian Football
Prospects for Asian teams remain optimistic despite challenges. The AFC continues strengthening its teams, though global advancement means rising standards require adaptation, Arya Nourizadeh warns.
Japan’s ambitious goal to win the World Cup by 2050 is supported by historical victories and 100-year vision plans fostering club expansions and elite coaching initiatives. Paul Williams emphasizes patience and grassroots investment as vital components for success.
Achieving non-European or South American World Cup victories would enrich the tournament, suggests Williams, expressing hope for future surprises.