Overview

• South Korea can secure automatic qualification with a draw against Iraq in Basra, thanks to a three-point lead in Group B with two games to play.
• Australia stands to seal its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance if it beats Japan in Perth, although its fate may hinge on Saudi Arabia’s result against Bahrain.
• Indonesia must overcome China at home and then earn a favorable result against a young Japan side to maintain a chance at finishing in the top two.
• Uzbekistan needs only a draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi to clinch second place in Group A and reach its first World Cup.
• With Asia allotted eight direct berths in the expanded tournament, third- and fourth-place teams will enter an additional qualifying round for the remaining spots.