Group A
Islamic Republic of Iran will move within touching distance of a fourth consecutive and seventh overall FIFA World Cup Finals appearance with victory against the United Arab Emirates.
Holding a three-point lead over Uzbekistan and six clear of the UAE, only a complete collapse will see Iran missing out on the Finals.
A win for Uzbekistan against Kyrgyz Republic will also place them within touching distance of an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
The Central Asian side will be led by Timur Kapadze, with the former Uzbekistan international having replaced Srecko Katanec who stepped down due to health reasons.
Qatar, who will also be led by a new head coach with Spaniard Luis Garcia having replaced compatriot Marquez Lopez, will start their desperate bid to keep their hopes of qualifying automatically alive when they host DPR Korea in Doha.
On seven points, Qatar’s fate is no longer in their own hands but the two-time AFC Asian Cup winners will not give up without a fight.
Adding intrigue to the clash will be the fact that two additional spots are available to the FIFA World Cup via a fourth round playoff, meaning both DPR Korea – who are on three points – and Kyrgyz Republic – who are one adrift – still have a chance to keep their FIFA World Cup hopes alive.
Thursday’s fixtures
IR Iran v UAE
Venue: Azadi Stadium (Tehran)
Kick-off: 19:30 (UTC+3:30)
Uzbekistan v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium
Kick-off: 21:00 (UTC+5)
Qatar v DPR Korea
Venue: Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 21:15 (UTC+3)
Group B
Korea Republic are another side well placed to confirm their ticket to the FIFA World Cup with Hong Myung-bo’s side on 14 points, three ahead of second-placed Iraq with Jordan a further two adrift.
Having been held by Palestine on Matchday Six, Korea Republic’s upcoming matches against Oman and Jordan will be on home soil and two wins may well be enough to confirm an 11th successive appearance on the global stage.
Iraq, on a mission to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a second time, will also be confident of taking six points with Kuwait their opponents on Thursday.
That will be followed by a face off against Palestine in Amman on Tuesday and Iraq will be determined to avoid slipping up.
Jordan will aim to rediscover the form which saw them emerging AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ runners-up, with victories against Palestine on Thursday and Korea Republic five days later vital if they are to stay within sight of the two automatic spots to the Finals.
While the top two spots look out of reach for Oman (six points), Kuwait (four) and Palestine (three), victories in their next two matches will hugely boost their chances of advancing to the playoffs for the additional two tickets to the Finals.
Thursday’s fixtures
Korea Republic v Oman
Venue: Goyang Stadium (Goyang)
Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+9)
Iraq v Kuwait
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
Kick-off: 21:15 (UTC+3)
Jordan v Palestine
Venue: Amman International Stadium (Amman)
Kick-off: 21:15 (UTC+3)
Group C
The only thing certain in Group C is that Japan will likely confirm their ticket to the Finals if they defeat Bahrain on Thursday and if Hajime Moriyasu’s side fail to do so, they can get it right against Saudi Arabia five days later.
For the rest of the group, it is a case of every point counts going into the final four matchdays.
Australia, in second with seven points, are only one ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China PR.
Australia, aiming for a fifth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, will host an Indonesian side who have held their own despite appearing at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the first time.
Saudi Arabia, on a mission to qualify for a third consecutive edition, will welcome a China PR side who are seeking a return to the global stage for the first time since making their debut in 2002.
With such fine margins, Group C is set for three enticing Matchday Seven battles, with Japan – despite being comfortably perched at the top – having to be careful of a Bahrain side desperate to stay in the mix.
Thursday’s fixtures
Australia v Indonesia
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium (Sydney)
Kick-off: 20:10 (UTC+11)
Japan v Bahrain
Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002 (Saitama)
Kick-off: 19:35 (UTC+9)
Saudi Arabia v China PR
Venue: King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)
Kick-off: 21:15 (UTC+3)
