A record number of AFC nations will compete at this summer’s tournament Last updated: May 27, 2026 | 12:175 MIN READCheck out the key players from the AFC nations competing at this summer's FIFA World Cup AFP/InstagramDubai: Asia’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the strongest and most diverse it has ever been, with nine teams falling under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) bracket.The AFC group brings together experienced World Cup regulars alongside emerging nations making their mark on the global stage, highlighting the rapid tactical and technical growth of football across the region.Several of these teams now possess the quality and depth to compete with some of the sport’s traditional powerhouses on the world stage.Here is one key player to watch from each AFC nation this summer.Australia - Mathew RyanGoalkeeper, Mathew Ryan is expected to be Australia’s most influential player heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to his leadership, experience, and consistency at the highest level.The 34-year-old goalkeeper plays for La Liga club, Levante and serves as captain of the national team which makes sense being the longest-standing member of the current squad.He was a key figure in Australia’s historic 2022 World Cup campaign, where they reached the Round of 16, their best-ever finish at the tournament.His shot-stopping ability and composure in major matches make him central to Australia’s hopes once again.Iran - Mehdi TaremiMehdi Taremi is a key player to watch for Iran this summer due to his experience, proven goal-scoring record, and ability to perform on the biggest stages.The 33-year-old leads Iran’s attack and has built an impressive career in Europe, scoring consistently for FC Porto in Portugal before also spending time at Inter Milan.He currently plays for Greek giants Olympiacos, where he has continued his strong form with 10 goals this season, helping them secure a second-place finish.With his mix of experience, movement, and finishing ability, Taremi remains Iran’s main attacking threat and a player capable of deciding matches at the World Cup.Iraq - Aymen HusseinIraq’s all-time leading goalscorer, Aymen Hussein, has scored 32 international goals, including eight during the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.Although injuries have disrupted his recent progress and caused him to miss the fourth round of qualifying, Iraq supporters are optimistic that the striker will return to full fitness in time for the upcoming clash against Bolivia.There are positive signs that he is getting back to his best form, having recently registered three goals and an assist in his last three matches for Al-Karma in the Iraqi top-flight. That’s why he is a player fans should keep an eye on this summer.Japan - Wataru EndoWataru Endo brings leadership and experience at the highest level of club football to the Japan team.The midfielder, who plays for Liverpool, is the captain of the country and will bring a calm, disciplined presence in the middle of the pitch.Although he has not been a regular starter for Liverpool this season, his time competing in the Premier League has given him valuable exposure to elite-level intensity and tactical demands.That experience, combined with his leadership for Japan, will be vital in guiding the team through a challenging World Cup campaign.Jordan - Musa Al-TaamariWithout a doubt, Musa Al-Taamari is the standout figure of this Jordan squad as they prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance.The captain, who plays for Stade Rennais in France, is in excellent form and has become the symbol of Jordanian football’s rise on the international stage.Over the course of the season, he made 35 appearances, scoring seven goals and contributing 11 assists, highlighting both his creativity and end product.His biggest strength is his versatility in attack, as he can operate as a winger, an attacking midfielder, a secondary striker, or across either flank, making him a constant threat and Jordan’s key man going into the tournament.Qatar – Almoez AliAlmoez Ali is Qatar’s main man going into the World Cup, having finished as the top scorer in Asian qualifying with 12 goals.The 29-year-old striker leads the line for a Qatar side that will compete at the World Cup via the qualification route for the first time, following their appearance as hosts in 2022. After successfully navigating three rounds of qualifying, Qatar now head to North America looking to build on their recent progress.At club level, Ali plays for Al-Duhail SC, where he continues to be a reliable goal scorer, and he will once again be expected to provide the cutting edge in front of goal on the world stage.Saudi Arabia - Salem Al DawsariSaudi Arabia’s squad is led by captain and creative talisman Salem Al-Dawsari, who remains the driving force of the national team.The 34-year-old plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, where he is also captain and shares the dressing room with global stars such as Karim Benzema.A former Asian Player of the Year, Al-Dawsari is one of Saudi Arabia’s most experienced figures, with over 100 international caps and a joint national record for World Cup goals with three.He is best remembered for scoring in Saudi Arabia’s historic 2–1 victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup, a result that shocked the world before Argentina went on to win the tournament.South Korea - Heung-min SonSouth Korea’s biggest star is Son Heung-min, who is widely regarded as the face of the national team heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The forward, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC, is also the captain and has been a key figure for his country for over a decade.He spent ten years in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored 127 goals in 333 appearances and established himself as a legend of English football.Now 33, and playing in the United States, he is no longer at the peak of his powers, but his experience, movement, and ability to trouble defenders mean he remains South Korea’s most dangerous attacking threat this summer.Uzbekistan - Abdukodir KhusanovUzbekistan head into their first-ever World Cup with Abdukodir Khusanov as their biggest name and one of the key figures in their squad.The national team is managed by former World Cup winner and legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, and Khusanov will be hoping to follow in his coach’s footsteps by anchoring the defence at the highest level.In January 2025, Khusanov became the first Uzbek player to sign for a Premier League club when he joined Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, marking a major milestone for football in his country.After a steady first season with the sky blue’s, he played a major role in helping City secure a domestic double this season and made 21 Premier League appearances along the way.Rob is an experienced sports reporter with a focus on digital publishing. He holds both an undergraduate and master’s degree in sports journalism and has hands-on experience in presenting and commentary. Rob has previously worked in the communications teams at Premier League clubs Everton and Brentford FC. While football is his main passion, he enjoys all sports and loves sharing his enthusiasm with anyone he meets.Related Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next