Qualified: Iraq, Syria, Philippines (Philippines reached via playoffs, not groups)

Sun, 03 May 2026 02:16:21 +0000

Qualified: Iraq, Syria, and the Philippines – Playoffs Over Groups for International Competitions In the world of international sports and qualification pathways, understanding how nations reach major tournaments is crucial—especially when traditional group stages are replaced by playoff systems. Countries like Iraq and Syria have earned their spots through playoff routes, while the Philippines took a unique path via playoffs rather than group participation. This article explores how these three nations—Iraq, Syria, and the Philippines—secured their qualification, emphasizing how playoffs, rather than group-based qualification, reshaped their journeys on the global stage. --- ### Iraq and Syria: Reaching Global Stage Through Playoffs