The action around the AFC second group phase on THU 08-TUE 13 JUN 2017 saw Iran claim Asia’s first ticket to Russia.

• Australia 03-02 Saudi Arabia: The sides swapped goals in the first half, but midway through the second, Tomas ROGIC broke the deadlock with a powerful shot from the top of the area. The Socceroos draw level with Saudi Arabia for second place in Group B, though the Saudis still have the advantage on goal difference.
• Iran 02-00 Uzbekistan: Team Melli recorded their eleventh consecutive clean sheet to secure their place at Russia 2018. Sardar AZMOUN and Mehdi TAREMI were the goalscorers.
• Iraq 01-01 Japan: Though the Iraqis had been eliminated by Australia’s earlier win, their fighting spirit was still on show. Mahdi KAMIL scored in the second half to cancel out Yuya OSAKO’s early goal and salvage a point. The result still assures the Samurai Blue of no worse than a place in the playoff.
• Qatar 03-02 Korea Rep: After going down two goals, the Taeguk Warriors fought back; goals by KI Sung Yueng and HWANG Hee Chan eight minutes apart levelled the proceedings. But shortly thereafter, Hassan AL HAIDOS scored his second of the evening to keep Qatar alive in Group A. They must win both of their remaining matches – away to Syria and home to China PR – to have even a chance of reaching the playoff.
• Qualified this matchday: Iran
• Advanced this matchday: Japan
• Eliminated this matchday: Iraq