Only two of the nine Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams progressed to the 2026 World Cup knockouts, fewer than in 2022.

Africa excels with nine teams advancing in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, while Asia faces disappointing results.

The gap between Asia's best teams and the rest has been laid bare by the region's disappointing World Cup as just two AFC sides reached the knockout rounds.

Only two of the nine Asian Football Confederation (AFC) teams progressed to the 2026 World Cup knockouts, fewer than in 2022.