The draw for the AFC playoffs was held on THU 17 JUL 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman were placed in Group A, whilst Group B features Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia.

Both groups will be played in OCT 2025. Qatar will host Group A, and Saudi Arabia will host Group B. The three teams will play one another once, with the first placed team in each group qualifying for the 2026 Men’s World Cup.

The two second placed teams will meet over two legs in the elimination phase of the playoffs in NOV 2025. As determined by a second draw, the team from Group A will play the first leg at home. The elimination phase winner advances to the interconfederation playoffs for one more chance to qualify for Canada/​Mexico/​USA 2026.

• Group A: Oman, Qatar, UAE
• Group B: Indonesia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia