First Matches of 9 AFC Representatives at the 2026 World Cup: South Korea and Australia Shine, 3 Teams Suffer Defeat

2026 World Cup has just concluded its opening group stage fixtures. All nine Asian representatives have completed their first matches with mixed outcomes, ranging from convincing victories, hard-fought Draws, to devastating defeats.

Out of the nine Asian nations that featured on the first group stage matchday, South Korea and Australia successfully defeated their respective opponents.

Meanwhile Qatar, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran secured points via draw results. On the other side, Iraq, Jordan and Uzbekistan were forced to begin their tournament campaigns with losses.

South Korea

South Korea stood out as one of the most impressive Asian sides. The Taegeuk Warriors demonstrated outstanding resolve to come from behind and beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

After falling behind to Ladislav Krejci's headed goal, South Korea turned the match around through strikes from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

This win earned them three vital points in the tightly contested Group A, while also keeping pace with tournament hosts Mexico who also collected three points.

Australia

Australia began the tournament on positive terms. The Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 in their Group D fixture despite being under sustained pressure for the entire duration of the match. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe were Australia's match winning heroes.

Turkey dominated possession and attacking chances, but were successfully neutralised by Australia's defensive line.

Japan

Japan once again demonstrated their status as one of Asia's elite football powers. The Blue Samurai held the Netherlands to a fiercely contested 2-2 draw in Group F.

The Netherlands took the lead twice, first through Virgil van Dijk then Crysencio Summerville. Keito Nakamura scored Japan's first equaliser, before Daichi Kamada rescued a crucial point for his nation with a late headed finish.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia came extremely close to pulling off a major upset on the opening matchday. The Green Falcons took the lead against Uruguay via Abdulelah Al-Amri's goal, and held firm with disciplined defence under constant opposition pressure.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais produced a series of critical saves.

However, a late strike from Maxi Araujo denied Saudi Arabia victory, forcing the match to end level.

Qatar

Qatar also displayed tremendous fighting spirit to hold Switzerland to a 1-1 draw. After falling behind to Breel Embolo's penalty, Qatar equalised deep into stoppage time through Boualem Khoukhi.

Iran

Iran showed great resilience against New Zealand in Group G. After falling behind twice from two goals by Elijah Just, Iran fought back through strikes from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to force a 2-2 draw.

Iraq

Not all Asian representatives enjoyed a strong tournament start. Iraq suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat against Norway. Erling Haaland proved the Mesopotamian Lions' undoing with a brace.

An additional goal from Leo Ostigard and an own goal by Aymen Hussein completed Norway's win, with Aymen Hussein scoring Iraq's only consolation.

Jordan

Iraq were not alone in leaving empty handed. Jordan also failed to collect any points on their historic debut at the World Cup. Jamal Sellami's side fell 1-3 to Austria.

Ali Olwan briefly pulled Jordan level after Romano Schmid opened the scoring for Austria, before an own goal from Yazan Al Arab and Marko Arnautovic's penalty ended Jordan's fightback.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan suffered the same fate on their own World Cup debut against Colombia. Uzbekistan fell behind after Daniel Munoz scored Colombia's opening goal.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev briefly equalised for Uzbekistan, before the side eventually fell to a 1-3 defeat. Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz scored the two deciding goals for Colombia.