The quest for a spot in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at fun 88 has entered a thrilling phase in Asia. After nearly two years of intense competition in Round 2, twelve teams have emerged as contenders for the next round of qualifiers. Let's delve into what's in store for these footballing nations as they gear up for the crucial third round.
The Elite Twelve
Group winners Syria (A), Australia (B), IR Iran (C), Saudi Arabia (D), Japan (F), United Arab Emirates (G), and Korea Republic (H) are set to be joined by the five best runners-up: China PR (A), Oman (E), Iraq (C), Vietnam (G), and Lebanon (H). While Qatar secured victory in Group E, as hosts, they have already earned a direct qualification to the World Cup, exempting them from the upcoming qualifiers.
What Comes Next?
The twelve teams will be divided into two groups of six, engaging in a home-and-away, round-robin format. The stakes are high as the winners and runners-up from each group (four in total) will secure direct berths to the World Cup finals. Meanwhile, the third-placed teams will advance to the fourth round, where they'll battle for the chance to participate in the intercontinental play-offs.
Mark Your Calendar: The Draw
The third round draw is scheduled to take place on 1 July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead. Mark these dates for the upcoming matches: 2 September 2021, 7 September 2021, 7 October 2021, 12 October 2021, 11 November 2021, 16 November 2021, 27 January 2022, 1 February 2022, 24 March 2022, and 29 March 2022.
Seeding the Draw
To determine the seeding for the draw, FIFA introduced a special FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking for Asia on 18 June 2021. This ranking will be the basis for establishing the groups for the third round. Notably, Qatar, ranked fifth in this ranking and Group E winners in Round 2, will not partake in the third round due to their status as hosts.
The Draw Mechanics
Teams will be placed into six pots according to the FIFA Ranking released on 18 June 2021, ensuring a fair distribution of strength. Pot 1: Teams ranked 1-2, Pot 2: 3-4, Pot 3: 5-6, Pot 4: 7-8, Pot 5: 9-10, Pot 6: 11-12. The pot number corresponds to the position each team will occupy in their respective groups.
The draw will commence with Pot 6, where the first ball drawn will be placed in position A6. Subsequently, the next ball drawn will be assigned to position B6, continuing through to Pot 1. The stage is set for a thrilling draw that will determine the fate of these twelve teams on their quest to Qatar 2022. Stay updated with Fun88 for all your football news and updates, including fun88 app download options for an enhanced experience.