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The 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup is the first edition featuring 48 teams. The expansion increased group stage matches and gave more smaller nations a global stage. From the group stage performances, Asian teams collective display has exceeded most expectations.

Asian Teams: 2 Wins 4 Draws Unbeaten

By the end of group play, six Asian teams had competed, accumulating 2 wins and 4 draws without a single loss. This record would have been unimaginable in previous World Cups.

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw despite facing 27 shots in the match. Iran came back twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand. Both draws carry significant weight given the quality of opponents.

Iraqs performance has been equally impressive. The team returning to the World Cup after 40 years showed tremendous fighting spirit in their debut match. Despite failing to score, their display proved they deserved their precious qualification spot.

The Rise of Asian Football

Asians strong showing is no accident. More Asian players have established themselves in Europes top leagues. Players like Japans Mitoma, Koreas Son Heung-min, and Irans Taremi directly boost their national teams on the World Cup stage.

Data shows Asian teams averaged 45.3% possession in this tournament, an 8 percentage point increase from the previous World Cup. While still trailing Europes top sides, this progress rate is encouraging.