ALL CHANGE ACROSS ASIA

A number of new teams are competing for a World Cup spot, and a number of new faces are taking their places in the dugouts

- John Duerden

It’s almost easier to count the Asian nations that haven't changed coaches since the start of 2026 World Cup qualification back in 2023 than the ones who have. The latest was shocking, if not surprising. Indonesia's last qualifier was a famous 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jakarta in November. In January, Shin Tae-yong, who has been in charge of the team’s best-ever period, was dismissed. With the majority of the team now made up of naturalised Dutch-born players, in came ex-Oranje striker Patrick Kluivert.

With four of the ten games in the third round remaining, the two March matches are crucial for all 18 remaining teams. The top two from each of the three groups of six qualify automatically for the World Cup, while those that end in third and fourth advance to a further round for the two remaining places and the inter-confederation play-off spot.

Indonesia are in the mix in Group C, the most competitive of all. Japan are way out in front with 16 points, nine clear of Australia. Then, just a point behind, are Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China. It’s a fierce five-way fight for that second spot.