Salman Al Faraj, Kyogo Furuhashi and Abdukodir Khusanov all feature as FIFA looks at seven players to keep an eye on in the upcoming AFC qualifiers.
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Furuhashi and Al-Faraj return to international duty after lengthy absences
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Uzbeksitan’s Khusanov named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Month for October
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The next round of Asian qualification takes place from 14-19 November
As the AFC third round qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 26 continue, the path to the global finals is becoming ever clearer.
While some nations are in a strong position to secure automatic qualification to Canada, Mexico and the USA, others will need to battle through further rounds or face elimination.
Here, FIFA looks at seven players who could be game-changers for their national teams in the upcoming matches.
Salman Al Faraj – Saudi Arabia
The return of Herve Renard as Saudi Arabia’s head coach has meant an unexpected call-up for Al-Faraj. Following a year-long absence from the Green Falcons squad, the veteran midfielder has been selected for the November qualifiers against Australia and Indonesia, following his recent move to second division side NEOM SC.
Al-Faraj, 35, was captain during Renard’s previous tenure and Saudi Arabia will be hoping that experience will help improve their standing after a rocky start to the third round of qualifiers and get them back on track for a place at the World Cup.
Ali Al-Hamadi – Iraq
Having been forced to withdraw through injury from the previous two matches in October, 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker Al-Hamadi returns to the Iraq squad for his side’s crucial matches against Jordan and Oman.
The forward’s return will be a valuable boost for Jesus Casas’ squad as they fight to keep their direct qualification hopes for the 2026 showpiece alive.
Kyogo Furuhashi – Japan
Furuhashi’s last international appearance was in October 2023, with a goal in Japan’s 2-0 win in a friendly against Tunisia.
More than a year later, the Celtic man finally has another chance to increase his cap tally as he returns to the Japan squad. His strong form this season has seen him net six goals from 16 appearances in all competitions and earned the 29-year-old a spot in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad for the matches against Indonesia and China PR.
Joe Gauci – Australia
As they go up against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Australia’s goalkeeping duties will likely remain in the capable hands of 24-year-old Aston Villa stopper Gauci.
Despite the presence of the more experienced Mat Ryan, Gauci’s strong October performances, including Australia’s 3-1 win over China PR and a 1-1 draw in Japan, have made him a favourite for new head coach Tony Popovic.
Lee Hyun-ju – Korea Republic
A rising star in Europe, Lee Hyun-ju has helped Hannover 96 reach the summit of the 2. Bundesliga this season, with eight appearances and one goal.
In an interview with FIFA in September, the versatile midfielder said he would be “proud” to be a part of the Korea Republic squad and that dream has now come true with his first call-up from coach Hong Myung-bo. The 21-year-old could make his mark against Kuwait and Palestine later this month.
Abdukodir Khusanov – Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s young talent Khusanov has proven himself in Europe, becoming a key defender for French club Lens. The 20-year-old has made 10 appearances this season, contributing to Les Sang et Or’s impressive start in Ligue 1.
Head Coach Srecko Katanec has again put his faith in the young defender ahead of Uzbekistan’s November qualifiers against Qatar and Korea DPR. Khusanov’s recent recognition as Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month for October underpins his pivotal role in the White Wolves’ quest for a spot at a maiden global finals.
Calvin Verdonk – Indonesia
Indonesia are still striving to make their World Cup dream a reality, with the priority this November being to secure good results against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
To give his side the best possible chance, Head Coach Shin Tae-yong has once again called upon his top squad, featuring several Europe- based players, including Verdonk. The 27-year-old left-back played a significant role in NEC Nijmegen’s recent 6-0 drubbing of Groningen and fans of the Garuda are eager to see him replicate this performance on the international stage.
