AFC Asian Qualifiers
As the players either return to their clubs or take a break, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the groups stand with just four matches remaining.
The top two teams from each group will earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 26 while the third and fourth-placed teams will advance to a playoff, where another two slots are available.
An additional ticket is also available via an Inter-Confederation playoff.
Group A
While they had to work hard on both matchdays, Islamic Republic of Iran got the job done as Amir Ghalenoei's side registered 3-2 wins over DPR Korea and Kyrgyz Republic.
While Ghalenoei was understandably worried about his side's defensive frailties, Iran's potent attacking force means goals can be conjured at anytime and it is hard to see them not taking one of the two automatic spots from the group.
Victories in March's fixtures - they face third-placed United Arab Emirates on March 20 and second-placed Uzbekistan five days later - will surely confirm a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance and seventh overall.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : Kyrgyz Republic 2 - 3 IR Iran
Uzbekistan will be confident of taking the other ticket, which will mean an inaugural FIFA World Cup appearance.
Srecko Katanec's side overcame the disappointment of a last minute 3-2 defeat against Qatar to beat DPR Korea 1-0 to ensure their fate remains in their hands.
A three-point lead over UAE means March's fixtures are hugely important with Uzbekistan to play Central Asian neighbours Kyrgyz Republic on March 20 before the crunch clash against Iran five days later.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : DPR Korea 0 - 1 Uzbekistan
Two consecutive wins mean UAE are also very much in the mix but all that Paulo Bento's men can do at this point is keep winning and hope that it will be enough to earn automatic qualification.
They were, by far, one of the most impressive teams over the past two matchdays with a 3-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic followed by an amazing 5-0 victory over Qatar and Bento will be hoping his team can maintain their form when the AFC Asian Qualifiers return with Iran and DPR Korea their March opponents.
Tuesday's defeat for Qatar left them on seven points - six behind second-placed Uzbekistan - and needing a miracle to secure direct qualification.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : UAE 5 - 0 Qatar
The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions will have to probably win all four remaining matches and hope other results go their way but it is looking like they will have to settle for a place in the playoffs.
Qatar face DPR Korea and Kyrgyz Republic in March, with both teams already not in a position to catch Iran while a win for Uzbekistan from just one of their remaining four matches giving them an unassailable advantage over the two.
The best Kyrgyz Republic and DPR Korea can hope for is to advance to the playoffs and this makes them dangerous opponents for Qatar.
March 20
Qatar v DPR Korea
Uzbekistan v Kyrgyz Republic
IR Iran v UAE
March 25
Kyrgyz Republic v Qatar
DPR Korea v UAE
IR Iran v Uzbekistan
Group B
Palestine halted their four-match winning run but Korea Republic will feel an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup is theirs to lose after ending Matchday Six with a three-point lead over second-placed Iraq and five clear of Jordan.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group B : Palestine 1 - 1 Korea Republic
Palestine proved to be stubborn opponents yet again as the sides settled for second consecutive draw but with their March fixtures against Oman and Jordan on home soil, Korea Republic will be confident of returning to winning ways.
So will Iraq after their hard fought 1-0 defeat of Oman saw them opening a two-point lead over Jordan, with Kuwait and Palestine up next for them.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group B : Oman 0 - 1 Iraq
Draws against Iraq and Kuwait mean Jordan must aim for victories in March, with Palestine and Korea Republic their next two opponents.
Oman sit three points behind Jordan but a return of two wins against four defeats mean they will have no margin for error in March, when they face Korea Republic and Kuwait away.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group B : Kuwait 1 - 1 Jordan
Kuwait still have an outside chance of a top two finish but realistically, the playoff spots is what they will be after following a yield of just four points from six matches.
They face Iraq and Oman in March in what are must win ties.
Palestine, on three points, will also need victories against Jordan and Iraq if they are to remain in contention.
March 20
Iraq v Kuwait
Korea Republic v Oman
Jordan v Palestine
March 25
Kuwait v Oman
Palestine v Iraq
Korea Republic v Jordan
Group C
Victory against Bahrain on March 20 will confirm Japan's ticket to the FIFA World Cup 26 after two commanding performances this past week.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : China PR 1 - 3 Japan
Wins against China PR and Indonesia took Hajime Moriyasu's squad to 16 points, nine ahead of Australia and 10 in front of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China PR.
While their spot is almost assured, Japan will have a huge say on who finishes second with the East Asians to face Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in March.
AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : Bahrain 2 - 2 Australia
Australia face Indonesia and China PR, who meet Saudi Arabia five days earlier.
Indonesia, basking in glory after defeating Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, will meet Bahrain in their second March fixture but other than Japan's expected confirmation of their ticket, Group C is set to go down to the wire.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group C : Indonesia 2 - 0 Saudi Arabia
March 20
Japan v Bahrain
Saudi Arabia v China PR
Australia v Indonesia
March 25
China PR v Australia
Japan v Saudi Arabia
Indonesia v Bahrain
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