AFC Asian Qualifiers - Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

The result meant Iran are assured of a top two finish after moving to 20 points, with Uzbekistan also well placed to advance as they hold a four-point lead over the United Arab Emirates with two matchdays remaining.

Jordan hung on to second place in Group B after a 1-1 draw with Korea Republic, with Iraq a point adrift after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Palestine, who won at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifies for the first time. Korea Republic, despite playing to a third successive draw, remain in pole position in Group B.

Australia opened a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia following a 2-0 win against China PR. The Socceroos sit on 13 points, seven adrift of already-qualified Japan, who played to a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia.

Issam Al Sabhi scored the game’s only goal in the 56th minute to move the Omanis onto 10 points from their eight matches and open up a five point gap over fifth-placed Kuwait with two rounds remaining.

Oman sit in fourth place and are two points behind third-placed Iraq and a further point behind Jordan with matches against the Jordanians and Palestine to come in June.

The first two finishers in the group qualify directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico while the third and fourth placed teams progress into a fourth round.