Historic win secures better World Cup position
According to Japanese media, Japan has officially locked a Pot 2 position ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on December 5. Thanks to their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Brazil, Japan is now confirmed to be among the second-seeded teams — their first time reaching this tier since the 2018 Russia World Cup.
This achievement means Japan will avoid another “Group of Death” situation like in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where they faced both Spain and Germany. Football fans following 12BET Malaysia have already started discussing Japan’s improved FIFA standing and its impact on Asian football.
FIFA ranking puts Japan in strong position
As per FIFA’s latest rankings, Japan sits at 19th in the world, placing them comfortably in Pot 2 for the draw. Pot 1 will include 12 teams — the three hosts (USA, Mexico, Canada) and the world’s top nine ranked nations such as Argentina and England.
Since teams from the same pot cannot be grouped together, Japan will avoid facing other strong Pot 2 sides like Morocco and Uruguay in the group stage. Reports covered by 12BET Malaysia also mentioned that higher-seeded teams will get priority when choosing their base camp locations — a strategic advantage that benefits Japan heading into the 2026 World Cup. The official draw will take place in Washington, D.C., on December 5.
Korea clings to Pot 2 amid tight ranking race
Meanwhile, South Korea barely managed to retain its Pot 2 spot, though its FIFA ranking points have seen little improvement. Despite a slight increase, their recent heavy loss to Brazil has hindered meaningful progress.
Based on Cambio de Fuego’s live ranking data, South Korea is projected to rise one place to 22nd, with just a marginal increase from 1593.19 to 1593.92 points. The gap between Korea (1594), Ecuador (1590), Austria (1587), and Australia (1584) is under 10 points — meaning the results of the November international fixtures could be decisive.
Korea will face Bolivia (77th) and Ghana (75th) in friendlies. As noted by 12BET Malaysia, these matches carry little ranking reward, but a draw or defeat could cause a sharp drop. In contrast, rivals Australia and Ecuador will face stronger teams, which could shake up the Pot 2 standings before the official World Cup draw.
Asian football eyes brighter World Cup prospects
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, including the three host nations, divided into four pots of 12. With both Japan and Korea likely to stay in Pot 2, Asian football fans — especially those on 12BET Malaysia — are optimistic that the continent’s representatives can avoid early elimination and go deeper into the tournament.
Fans can stay tuned to 12BET Malaysia for exclusive updates, live odds, and analysis on every stage of the World Cup journey — from qualification triumphs to the final draw.
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