The journey to the World Cup is always a momentous occasion for football teams across the globe, and the path for teams in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is no less captivating. The Asia World Cup Qualifying for 2018 was particularly intriguing as countries vied for a spot in the world’s most prestigious football tournament, held in Russia. This process involved multiple rounds of matches, with diverse challenges and competitive fixtures. Here’s a closer look at how the qualification process unfolded, essential highlights, and what it meant for the participating nations.
**First Round: Preliminary Engagements**
The qualification campaign commenced with the first round, where the lowest-ranked AFC teams were paired against each other. This initial phase involved 12 teams, ranked from 35 to 46 in the AFC, competing in a two-legged home and away format. The victorious six teams advanced to the second round, offering them a chance to compete at a higher level. The away goals rule was crucial in this round, often determining the winning side.
**Second Round: Group Stages with Higher Stakes**
The stakes were significantly higher in the second round, which featured 40 teams divided into eight groups of five. These groups included the six winners from the first round, joined by