Here, we review some of the best Asian World Cup qualification zone betting tips as some of the continent’s biggest sides target qualification for 2026.
Two Asian footballing powerhouses South Korea and Japan have taken control of their groups as expected. Meanwhile, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iran have also caught the eye with impressive performances so far in AFC World Cup qualifying.
Asian World Cup qualification zone betting tips: March 2024 picks
The safe picks
Japan and South Korea are our leading picks for this tranche of Asian World Cup qualification zone betting tips.
The Samurai Blue have shown their ability to dominate Group B already. An opening match 5-0 win over Myanmar was followed by a victory by the same scoreline against Syria. Ayase Ueda was on top form during these wins, scoring five goals across both opening matches.
Up next for Hajime Moriyasu’s outfit are two fixtures against North Korea, who have won and lost once in their opening two matches. North Korea have only conceded twice in their AFC World Cup qualification openers and are unbeaten in four in all competitions.
Japan may face a sterner test, given that North Korea have appeared at a World Cup tournament as recently as 2010, but they are still likely to seal another comfortable win over North Korea. Ueda has been called up again for these internationals, and the Feyenoord man is a solid pick to strike and lead the Samurai Blue to four straight wins in qualifying.
Equally ruthless, South Korea have also seized control of Group C following a 5-0 win over Indonesia and a 3-0 triumph against China. Those victories came as part of South Korea’s 13-match unbeaten run before they shockingly lost 2-0 against Jordan in the Asian Cup.
The Taegeuk Warriors take on second-place Thailand in the upcoming fixtures, as Hwang Sun-hong’s outfit aims to consolidate top spot. Thailand showed frailties in a 2-1 loss to China after giving up a 1-0 lead to eventually lose the match, though the War Elephants then responded with a 3-1 win over bottom-side Singapore.
South Korea are widely fancied to put multiple goals past a Thailand team that shipped three in their opening qualifiers. And star man Son Heung-Min will also be confident of striking, as the South Korean captain has three goals in two AFC World Cup qualifiers and has also seen his stock rise on the domestic scene lately.
AFC zone World Cup qualifying correct score picks
Qatar made a blistering start with an 8-1 win against Afghanistan on matchday one before beating India 3-0. The positive results put Qatar top of Group A. The Maroons have been led expertly up front by Almoez Ali, who netted five goals in the opening two matches. Ali could be a solid pick to hit the net in potential Qatar triumphs over second-place Kuwait in Group A.
Tip: Qatar vs Kuwait – Qatar to win 3-0
Richly famed for beating eventual winners Argentina at Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia made two strong showings in Group G as Roberto Mancini’s side targets a third successive World Cup appearance. The Green Falcons cruised to wins over Pakistan (4-0) and AFC Cup finalists Jordan (2-0). Tajikistan awaits Saudi Arabia in the next two qualifiers, but the Crowns are in patchy form, with just one win in five.
Tip: Saudi Arabia vs Tajikistan – Saudi Arabia to win 2-0
Still thriving since their switch from the Oceanic qualification zone, Australia have taken steps towards reaching a sixth consecutive World Cup finals. The Socceroos thrashed Bangladesh (7-0) before edging Palestine 1-0 to go top of Group I. Second-place Lebanon play Australia next, although the Cedars are winless in two qualifiers, scoring just once.
Tip: Australia vs Lebanon – Australia to win 2-0
Iran’s position at the top of Group E is slightly perilous after giving up a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan last time out. This result was a setback following a 4-0 opening match victory over Hong Kong. Yet, Amir Ghalenoei’s men will be looking forward to potentially bouncing back against a Turkmenistan side without a win in 10 matches.
Tip: Iran vs Turkmenistan – Iran to win 2-1
Surprise packages
Malaysia have given themselves a strong chance of reaching their first-ever World Cup finals. Wins over Kyrgyzstan (4-3) and Chinese Taipei (1-0) put Kim Pan-gon’s outfit on top of Group D.
Iraq are another outsider that has made a strong showing in AFC qualifying, with victories against Indonesia (5-1) and Vietnam (1-0). World Cup qualification would be a huge feat for the Lions of Mesopotamia. The team is aiming to reach the finals for the first time since the Iraq War, and to make a first World Cup showing since Mexico 1986.
The United Arab Emirates also has unfinished business at the World Cup. In their only previous appearance at Italia ‘90, the UAE lost all three matches and conceded 11 goals. The gulf nation has started with intent, racing to the top of Group H following wins against Nepal (4-0) and Bahrain (2-0).
