DUSHANBE, 01.08.2023 (NIAT Khovar) — In the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, national football team of Tajikistan will play in Group C against Saudi Arabia, Jordan, as well as the winner of the pair of the first qualifying round Cambodia – Pakistan.

36 teams will compete in the second qualifying tournament in Asia. According to the results of the draw, nine groups of four teams each were determined. The teams will play six matches in the period from November 16, 2023 through June 11, 2024.

Following the results of the second qualifying round, the nine group winners and the second-placed teams in their quartets will continue to compete in the third round and also will advance to the 2027 Asian Cup.

The draw for the third round will be held in 2024. According to its results, 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six teams each. Following the results of the third round, the two best teams from each group will reach the 2026 World Cup. Two other direct participants from Asia will be determined in the fourth qualifying round, and another possible place to participate in the 2026 World Cup will be available through an intercontinental playoff.

The 18 teams that will take third and fourth places in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will go directly to the third and final round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualification.