In today's report, the Korean media continues to track the 2026
World Cup
Expansion dynamics, noting that even with the increased number of places, China advances
World Cup
The likelihood of that remains slim.
The text mentions that with
World Cup
The door to this global soccer extravaganza is opening wider and wider, and for China and South-East Asian countries, this is undoubtedly a turning point. In the past, these countries, as "outsiders" in the soccer world, were almost excluded from this last competitive stage.
2026
World Cup
It will be organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the number of participating countries will increase to 48, and the number of places in Asia will nearly double from 4.5 to 8.5. For traditional soccer powerhouses such as South Korea, Japan, Iran and Australia, the road to promotion seems smoother. However, it also means new opportunities for Southeast Asian countries such as China, Vietnam and Thailand.
Review of Qatar 2022
World Cup
In the Asian Zone 12, China is ranked 5th in Group B with only 6 points, 11th out of 12 teams. Syria and Lebanon also have 6 points, but have the better goal difference. Vietnam is at the bottom of the table. Even if the Asian quota is increased to 8.5, China wants to qualify
World Cup
Huge challenges remain.
For Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam, for example, while also expected to move into the
World Cup
of the threshold, but will have to overcome Middle Eastern opponents, with the UAE, Syria and Oman all showing decent athleticism in the Round of 12.
