The question of what teams are in the Asian Cup is heating up now that the road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup is well underway. KottuGoal has gathered the latest info: who’s already secured their place, who’s still battling in the qualifiers, and how the format works so you know the stakes.
How qualification works
Before listing the teams, here’s the structure so you understand how teams get into the Asian Cup:
- The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, including the host.
- Saudi Arabia qualifies automatically as host.
- The qualification happens in multiple rounds. Rounds 1 & 2 are shared with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Asian sides. The third round is specifically for filling the final slots for the Asian Cup.
- After Round 2, 18 teams have already qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup; 6 more spots are being contested in Round 3, with each of the group winners in that round earning a place.
Teams already qualified
Here are the sides that have already secured their place for the 2027 Asian Cup, by virtue of their performance in the second round (and including the host):
1Saudi Arabia (host)
2. Bahrain
3. Iran
4. Iraq
5. Japan
6. Jordan
7. Oman
8. Palestine
9. Qatar
10. Australia
11. South Korea
12. United Arab Emirates
13. Uzbekistan
14. Indonesia
15. China
16. Kuwait
17. Kyrgyzstan
18. North Korea
So there are 18 confirmed teams. That leaves 6 spots still up for grabs — these will be decided in the final qualification round (Round 3).
Teams still in the fight (final round)
Here are the nations battling for the remaining places, grouped in Round 3:
- Group A: Tajikistan, Philippines, Maldives, Timor-Leste
- Group B: Lebanon, Yemen, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam
- Group C: India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangladesh
- Group D: Thailand, Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka
- Group E: Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan
- Group F: Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Laos
Each group winner will clinch one of the six remaining spots in the 2027 Finals.
Key players & storylines to watch
- Saudi Arabia will be under pressure as hosts — both to perform and to lift expectations. Their automatic spot gives them breathing room, but also more eyes on them.
- Smaller nations like Bhutan, Maldives, Laos, Nepal have realistic shot if they win their groups; perfect chance for an upset.
- Big names like Japan, Australia, Iran, South Korea will likely be among the favourites once all spots are filled.
Conclusion
The what teams are in the Asian Cup debate is still evolving — 18 teams have already earned their places in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and 6 spots remain. These final slots are being contested now, with only the group winners, just say the word — I’ll have it for you.
