The qualification structure is as follows:[1] Forty-six FIFA-affiliated nations are eligible to enter the joint qualification process for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup; Northern Mariana Islands, which is not a FIFA member, would have entered through the play-off round.

Teams from Pots 1, 2 and 3 were drawn directly to the second round, along with an allocated first-round tie winner.

The draw for the first round was held on 27 July 2023 at 14:00 MST (UTC+8) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

[3] The draw for the second round was held on 27 July 2023 at 16:00 MST (UTC+8) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of 24 teams will qualify for the final tournament including the host Saudi Arabia.