What does 8.5 quotas mean?

The meaning of 8.5 quotas is that in the World Cup held in 2026, the number of qualifying quotas held by the Asian Division will increase to 8.5.

In fact, the pattern of Asian football is very clear. The previous 4.5 places were basically occupied by Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. This is true for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

It can be said that these five teams are the first-tier teams in Asia, and it is difficult for other teams to compete with them.

In the past, the only suspense in the Asian World Cup preliminaries was who would get the 0.5 spots to play in the play-offs with teams from other continents.

Now, the Asian quota has suddenly increased to 8.5, which is equivalent to providing Japan and South Korea with another layer of insurance. It can be said that they can almost be guaranteed to enter the World Cup, and they no longer need to consider any play-offs.

In Asian football, the second-tier teams are basically all from West Asia, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, etc. These teams are the main force competing for 3.5 places.

Specific analysis: First of all, it is really difficult for teams in other regions of Asia to compete with them. For example, our national football team, North Korea, Thailand, Indonesia in Southeast Asia, and India in South Asia are not as strong as the wolves in West Asia.

Secondly, the second-tier teams in West Asia have really caught up with the good times. Twenty years ago, Uzbekistan, North Korea, including the national football team, all had strong capabilities and would definitely have the opportunity to fight for additional seats, but now

, these teams have regressed significantly and have left all space to the West Asian teams.

The remaining 3.5 places in Asia's top five picks should all be taken by West Asian teams, plus Iran and Saudi Arabia among the top five teams. In this way, West Asian teams will directly get 5.5 places.

The only suspense is which team will play in the intercontinental play-offs.