Important World Cup qualifying action is staged across the planet this week, as nations look to build momentum in the hope of securing a place in the competition in 2026. You can find our soccer picks today for the matches staged on November 14, here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third round of qualification in the AFC region is well underway, and an eye-catching showdown between Australia and Saudi Arabia is set for Thursday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia have won just once in four matches, while Saudi Arabia sit level on points with the Aussies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, home advantage could count for a lot, as a home win is essential if Australia are to secure their spot in the tournament in 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Bahrain have been the surprise nation in AFC qualifying to this point and a victory could see them move into second in the Group C standings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China have struggled throughout qualification, losing three of their last four matches in this round. The hosts look like a very solid chance to put increased pressure on Australia and Saudi Arabia on Thursday.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Group B looks there for the taking for South Korea, as they already hold a three-point advantage over the chasing pack. However, Iraq and Jordan are locked in a battle for second spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both nations come into this round after winning two from four matches. But, Jordan could be the interesting play on Thursday, after scoring double the number of goals compared to Iraq in qualification to this point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Group A action in Oceania World Cup qualification is also staged on Thursday. Solomon Islands will have pressure on their shoulders after losing on matchday one against Fiji.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Caledonia made a dream start to their qualifying, scoring an excellent 3-1 win over Papua New Guinea. This is a harder challenge, but the preference remains for the in-form visitors on Thursday morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Standout matches in South American qualification will see Brazil face Venezuela<\/a> and Argentina travel to Paraguay<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, Ecuador will also be in action on Thursday against Bolivia. The home side have avoided defeat in their last three, winning four from ten overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bolivia\u2019s strong run of wins ended after a defeat against Argentina on matchday ten. Therefore, a home win looks hard to oppose this week. <\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Important World Cup qualifying action is staged across the planet this week, as nations look to build momentum in the hope of securing a place in the competition in 2026. You can find our soccer picks today for the matches staged on November 14, here. Asia World Cup Qualification Soccer Picks Today Australia vs. Saudi […]","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":25363,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[461],"tags":[3416],"class_list":["post-25419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-soccer","tag-fifa-world-cup"],"yoast_head":"\n