'Only Korea and Australia Won Against Asia' — Asian Momentum Plummets: World Cup Group Stage 1 Results End in 2 Wins, 4 Draws, 3 Losses

*This content was translated by AI.

The momentum of Asian teams, which drew early attention at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, ended with three consecutive defeats after six matches without a loss. Only two Asian teams — South Korea and Australia — won their first group stage matches.

The group stage of the North American World Cup concluded all 12 group matches on the 18th (Korean time) with the final Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium. This tournament features 48 nations divided into 12 groups for the group stage.

Until midway through the tournament, Asian teams' momentum was formidable. South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, started strong. On the 12th, they secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Czech Republic in the Group A opener. Qatar then drew 1-1 with Switzerland, while Australia decisively defeated Turkey 2-0. Japan also recorded a 2-2 draw against tournament favorite Netherlands.

That was not all. Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with South American powerhouse Uruguay, and Iran, despite repeatedly losing the lead against New Zealand, managed to equalize and finish 2-2. At that point, Asian teams' record stood at 2 wins and 4 draws, with six teams collectively achieving a winless streak.

The world took notice of Asian teams' strong performance. Particularly notable was that all teams from South Korea to Japan maintained unbeaten records against European sides. Major international media outlets, including FIFA itself via official channels, highlighted the unbeaten streak of AFC-affiliated teams. Attention focused on how far Asian football's potential would be demonstrated in this North American World Cup.

However, Asian teams' momentum sharply declined starting on the 17th. Iraq suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Norway, and Jordan also lost 1-3 to Austria. Uzbekistan, the last Asian team to play, managed only to be satisfied with their first-ever World Cup goal but ultimately suffered a 1-3 loss to Colombia, repeatedly feeling the wall of world-class competition. Thus, Asian teams' first group stage results in the North American World Cup concluded with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses. Only South Korea and Australia secured victories.

Teams now enter the full-scale group stage ranking competition. From the second round onward, qualification for the Round of 32 may be secured early depending on group situations. The second group stage matches begin with Qatar facing Canada on the 19th at 7 a.m., kicking off the Asian teams' campaign. Following that, on the 19th at 10 a.m., a Group A showdown will take place at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, between South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, and host nation Mexico.

The next day, Australia will face the United States, followed by Japan vs. Tunisia on the 21st, Saudi Arabia vs. Spain on the 22nd, and Iran vs. Belgium on the same day. Additionally, Iraq will meet France on the 23rd, Jordan will face Algeria, and Uzbekistan will play Portugal on the 24th, concluding the Asian teams' second group stage journey. In this tournament, the top two teams from each group advance directly to the Round of 32. The eight best-performing third-placed teams among the 12th groups will also qualify for the knockout stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.