SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Iran could become just the second team to advance through qualifying for the 2018 World Cup – after Brazil – while China and Qatar could be officially eliminated from contention in Asian qualifiers this week.
Led by former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz, Iran has appeared at four World Cups but never managed back-to-back qualifications.
Should Iran, four points clear at the top of Group A, defeat Uzbekistan in Tehran in front of what should be a capacity crowd of 100,000 on Monday night, then it will secure a spot with two games remaining.