2026 World Cup - Top Asian Team Betting

Ten nations from Asia are set to compete in the 2026 World Cup - but which one in particular will go the furthest? With several new faces, including Uzbekistan and Jordan, as well as more established nations, such as Japan and South Korea, there are plenty of unknown quantities which opens this market right up.

Yet despite 10 nations heading to the US this summer, is it a case of quantity over quality when it comes to Asia’s representatives?

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes goes through Asia’s contenders as well as plucking out an outsider that could surprise a few this summer.

Let’s take a look to see who he has his eye on and his reasonings for his best bets below.

Latest betting odds for the top Asian team at the World Cup

Top Asian Team Leading contenders

Japan (5/4) are the favourites in the World Cup betting markets. A nation that has scalped both England and Brazil in 2026 is expected to do well this summer. This well-drilled nation, led by Hajime Moriyasu, were arguably the only team to find the qualifiers easy, and although they lost to Australia Down Under, an already qualified, domestic based squad cannot be scrutinised too heavily.

With World Cup experience to their name, this nation packed with top players based across Europe’s biggest leagues are likely to make it out of Group F ahead of at least one of Tunisia and/or Sweden. A generous knockout draw could see them venture to the last 16 and this odds-against bet soon becomes a heavy favourite.

South Korea (4/1) are next in the market but Group A looks tough, especially with both hosts Mexico and the Czech Republic involved. A 4-0 defeat against Ivory Coast was followed up with a narrow 1-0 loss vs Austria, showing their limitations against nations outside of their continent.

Iran (7/1) and Australia (8/1) are up next, and although Australia have some household names, the Socceroos must overcome Group D which includes Paraguay, USA and Turkey. More on Iran a little later.

Up next, we’re venturing into nations with big odds - and for a reason. New Zealand (16/1) have never picked up a single point at a World Cup, whereas Qatar (18/1) embarrassed themselves in 2022 after also losing every single match. Neither nation will prove competitive this summer.

Top Asian Team Betting Tips

Winner - Japan at 5/4 with PricedUp

Japan are favourites in this market but it’s difficult to look past them. After beating England 1-0 at Wembley, more people are looking towards the Blue Samurai to make a decent run this World Cup. Dark horses? Potentially. But this market at an odds-against price certainly peaks interest.

Although the Netherlands are favourites to finish top of Group F, Japan should have enough to brush off Tunisia and an underwhelming Sweden - another nation that might struggle to deal with the conditions.

The talent is certainly there to deliver from front to back. Palermo’s Zion Suzuki between the sticks has started to mature and has five Serie A clean sheets to his name from 20 appearances. Bayern’s Hiroki Ito and Feyenoord’s Tsuyoshi Watanabe are comfortable in and out of possession.

Kaoru Mitoma remains an icon for his nation, while there’s plenty of goals between Ayase Ueda and Reims’ Keito Nakamura. This well-organised Japan side might not make the final eight, but they won’t need to in order to win this market.

Admittedly, it’s easy to back a favourite, but no other nation comes close to Japan’s quality and their closest rivals, South Korea, haven’t impressed in the lead up to the World Cup. However, the next nation in the market could well be an outside bet due to their generous looking draw.

Outsiders - Iran at 7/1

Although there are currently complications around Iran at the World Cup this summer, the Asian representatives have one of the best chances of qualifying from their group. In fact, a round of 16 appearance might just win this bet and Iran certainly have the potential to reach that stage of the competition.

Group G involves Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and there’s no reason why Iran can’t pick up at least a win vs the Kiwis and potentially a draw vs the Pharaohs. One win should be enough to see Iran qualify for the knockout stage due to this new format - where a lot of other nations, including Qatar, Uzbekistan, Australia and Saudi Arabia have tough fixtures against superior European nations.

Although there are 10 teams representing Asia, it’ll be a shock if more than five make it through to the next round. Iran, at 7/1, have every chance of sneaking through and a kind draw could see them make the last 16, we have a list of World Cup betting offers if you're looking to back Iran with less risk.

Bonuses to bet on the top Asian team at the World Cup