Asian nations remain unbeaten in opening six matches of 2026 World Cup
Asian nations have silenced critics of an expanded 48-team tournament by going unbeaten in their opening six matches at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) representatives have quickly demonstrated their ability to compete on the global stage.
Six of the nine competing teams from the region have already opened their campaigns without tasting defeat.
The continent has recorded two impressive victories and four hard-fought draws against formidable international opposition.
Heavyweights fall to Asian challengers
South Korea initiated the strong start with a stirring comeback victory over Czechia on the opening day.
That result was followed two days later by an outstanding 2-0 triumph for Australia against a highly fancied Türkiye side.
Japan then produced arguably the match of the tournament so far by coming from behind twice to draw with the Netherlands.
The Samurai Blue showed immense resilience against the eighth-ranked team in the world.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia and Qatar forced creditable draws against traditional powerhouses Uruguay and Switzerland respectively.
The only minor blemish was Iran’s 2-2 draw with lowest-ranked tournament side New Zealand, though Team Melli showed character to fight back from behind twice.
Debutant tests await the continent
All six unbeaten sides are experienced campaigners who featured at the previous edition in Qatar three and a half years ago.
A different challenge awaits over the coming days as the region’s lesser-known representatives take to the pitch.
Tournament debutants Jordan and Uzbekistan face difficult underdog fixtures against Austria and Colombia respectively.
Iraq will also return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1986 when they clash with Norway.
Rankings proved meaningless
The early results serve as a stark reminder that European and South American pedigrees do not guarantee comfortable victories.
Qatar currently sit 30 places below the Swiss in the official world rankings.
The Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia defied an even larger gap, sitting a staggering 42 places behind their Uruguayan opponents.
Türkiye captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu had confidently predicted his side would dominate the Australian outfit.
The influential midfielder remained in a defiant mood following the shock 2-0 loss, insisting his team had still controlled the contest.
However, it is the Australian side who now sit equal top of their group following a historic result.
