The AFC have confirmed the pots to be used for the draw for the group phase of the AFC playoffs. The draw will be held on THU 17 JUL 2025.

The teams have been allocated into three pots based on the FIFA rankings of JUN 2025. The draw will place three teams, one from each pot, into each group.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia will host their respective groups in OCT 2025. The first placed team in each group will qualify for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, and the second placed teams will square off in the elimination phase of the playoffs.

• Pot 1: Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Pot 2: Iraq, United Arab Emirates
• Pot 3: Indonesia, Oman