'Don't underestimate us': Asian teams storm out of the gate at the 2026 World Cup

Asia goes unbeaten in first four group-stage matches, raising hopes for a strong run in the expanded 48-team tournament

Japanese supporters pack the stands during their team's Group F opener against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. [AFP]

Asian sides are making a strong early impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With nine AFC member nations qualifying for the expanded tournament — the most ever — the four that have played so far have all taken points against European opponents, emerging as one of the early stories of the competition.

Japan's Kubo Takefusa (No. 8) attempts to break past Netherlands' Frenkie de Jong (No. 21) during their Group F opener. [AFP]

Japan became the latest Asian side to avoid defeat, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands in the Group F opener at Dallas Stadium in Texas at 5 a.m. Monday (Korean Standard Time). Coach Hajime Moriyasu's side conceded first when Virgil van Dijk scored five minutes into the second half, but Keito Nakamura equalized in the 57th minute. Cresencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead in the 64th minute, only for Daichi Kamada to head home a corner from Koki Ogawa in the 89th minute to secure a dramatic draw.

Japan's point against a heavyweight opponent gave further momentum to Asia's unbeaten start. Across the four groups that have completed their opening matches, AFC nations have yet to lose. Europe, by contrast, stands at one win, two draws and two defeats, while South America and Africa have each managed only a draw and a loss with no victories.

South Korea players thank fans after defeating the Czech Republic in their Group A opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Reuters/Yonhap]

South Korea started Asia's unbeaten run. Coach Hong Myung-bo's side came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium on June 12. South Korea conceded in the 59th minute but struck back through Hwang In-beom in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute to claim all three points. It was South Korea's first opening-match victory at a World Cup since the 2010 tournament in South Africa, 16 years ago.

Australia players celebrate after defeating Turkey in their Group D opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [AFP]

Qatar and Australia also collected points against European opposition. Qatar trailed Switzerland after conceding a penalty in the 17th minute of their Group B opener Sunday, but Boualem Khoukhi's equalizer deep in stoppage time earned a 1-1 draw — the country's first-ever point at a World Cup finals. Also Sunday, Australia produced a commanding 2-0 win over Turkey in Group D despite being outshot 30-9. Nestory Irankunda gave the Socceroos the lead in the 27th minute, and Connor Metcalfe added a second with a long-range strike in the 75th minute.

Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi celebrates with teammates after scoring the equalizer against Switzerland in their Group B opener. [AFP]

With all four early starters unbeaten, the outlook for Asian sides reaching the round of 32 has brightened considerably. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a record six AFC nations — including host Qatar — reached the group stage, and three of them, South Korea, Japan and Australia, advanced to the round of 16. Eyes are now on whether this year's expanded field can deliver an even stronger collective result.

Five more Asian nations are still to play their openers. Saudi Arabia, drawn into Group H alongside Spain, face South American powerhouse Uruguay at Miami Stadium at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Considered underdogs on paper, the Saudis will look to replicate the tactical discipline and cohesion that produced their famous upset of Argentina at the last tournament.

Iran open their Group G campaign against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Iran are widely expected to hold the upper hand over the Oceanian side, relying on their characteristically solid defensive structure. Whether striker Mehdi Taremi and the attacking unit can break down New Zealand's defense will be the decisive factor.

Iraq face Norway — and Erling Haaland — in Group I at Boston Stadium at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Returning to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, Iraq are expected to sit deep and hit on the counter against Norway's physical and high-powered attack. How well the Iraqi defense contains the Norwegian onslaught will likely decide the outcome.

Jordan make their historic World Cup debut against Austria in Group J at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Making their first-ever World Cup appearance, Jordan will look to disrupt the high press of Ralph Rangnick's Austria and use quick transitions to spring an upset.

Uzbekistan, the final Asian side to play, also make their World Cup debut, taking on Colombia in Group K at Mexico City Stadium at 11 a.m. Thursday. The key test will be whether their organized defensive shape can hold firm against Colombia's flair, individual quality and well-stocked midfield.

terry@heraldcorp.com