Asian champions Japan, Korea Republic and Australia sealed their places while Tajikistan missed out after falling to a 3-1 defeat to South American powerhouse Argentina in their final Group E tie on Sunday.

Having produced some impressive performances in the group stage, Asia's three representatives will be confident of holding their own in the knockout stage despite facing quality opposition.

Tajikistan put up a brave fight but Argentina proved too strong as the South Americans finished runners-up behind Spain on goal difference to advance to a Round of 16 meeting with Group F winners Paraguay.

Tajikistan, the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 runners-up, ended their campaign with one win and two defeats.

The result meant Japan finished as Group D winners ahead of previously undefeated Senegal, with the Asian champions having defeated Netherlands 3-0 and drawn 0-0 with USA.

Japan will play the runners-up from either Group B, E or F in the last 16 on Wednesday.

The result at the Estádio Kléber Andrade meant Korea finished as Group D runners-up on six points behind France and will face Angola in their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

The victory means Australia finish third in Group B, behind Nigeria and Ecuador, and advance to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-place finishers, having secured four points.

Australia had opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador before playing to a 2-2 draw with Hungary.

Yamato Wakatsuki scored in each half, while Jun Nishikawa added a third from the penalty spot as the Asian champions made a statement of intent at Brazil 2019.

The Taeguk Warriors capitalised on a goalkeeping mistake to take the lead in the 26th minute and added another to their tally 15 minutes later by forcing a turnover, earning a lead they would not relinquish to open their campaign in style.