The AFC first group phase came to an end on TUE 15 JUN 2021 after a number of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia, China PR, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea Rep, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam advanced to the final round.

The remaining matches for each group were played in central locations starting on FRI 28 MAY 2021 to limit the need for international travel. Qatar played their remaining two matches, but as host nation of the Men’s World Cup, they had already earned automatic qualification. Hence, the first placed team in each group, plus the five best runners up, would advance to the final round.

Japan and Australia each completed the round with a perfect total of 24 points from eight matches. Syria, Korea Rep, and Saudi Arabia also finished atop their groups.

In their final match in Group C, Iran defeated Iraq 1-0 to secure top spot, as Sardar AZMOUN’s first half goal was enough to see Team Melli through. Iraq also advanced as one of the top second placed teams.

In a final day match in Group G, Vietnam clawed back from 3-0 down to the UAE in the last five minutes. NGUYEN Tien Linh and TRAN Minh Vuong scored late, but the UAE held on to win 3-2. UAE took first place in the group. Vietnam, however, also move on, earning a place in the final round of AFC qualifiers for the first time in their history.

The final round begins on THU 02 SEP 2021. The twelve teams will be drawn into two groups of six teams each. The top two teams in each group qualify for Qatar 2022, and the third placed teams will meet one another in a single match playoff for a place in the playoffs.