FIFA World Cup

The opening two rounds were spectacular affairs with thrilling matches, shock results and amazing goals.

As the 18 teams get set for another round of battles on Thursday, with Matchday 4 to follow five days later, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the three groups stand, with six automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.

Popovic, who guided Western Sydney Wanderers to the AFC Champions League title in 2014, has signed a contract that runs until the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada and will commence the role immediately.

The 51-year-old will lead the team into October’s qualifiers against China PR and Japan looking to improve on their recent performances, when the team lost to Bahrain on the Gold Coast before drawing in Jakarta with Indonesia under Arnold.

Jaber's appointment was announced on Thursday by the Oman Football Association.

Football Australia confirmed on Friday that the former Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners coach had stepped down from his position having been in role for more than six years and qualifying his side for the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Czech assumed his role in February and guided Oman through to the third round of the Asian Qualifiers but mixed results since has left OFA seeking different avenues.

Silky solo skills, long-range strikes, last-minute winners, and historic moments – as ever, Asian football delivered a glorious array of golazos!

As the 18 sides prepare for the next two rounds of games in October, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key takeaways from Matchday 2.

With the mercurial Mousa Al Tamari sidelined, Haddad played a pivotal role in the 3-1 win at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium with Yazan Al Naimat scoring twice and Noor Al Rawabdeh also getting on the scoresheet.

Iraq were forced to play with 10 men from the seventh minute following Rebin Sulaka's sending off, with Casas not only proud of their resilience but also the fact that they could have walked away with full points from the Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium.

For the second successive match, Uzbekistan had to dig deep before getting the result as they fell behind twice to Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday but showed grit to walk away with a 3-2 win from the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

Resilience was something Uzbekistan - seeking to qualify for an inaugural appearance at the FIFA World Cup - had also needed in last week’s 1-0 win over DPR Korea and Katanec was pleased to see his players' determination and resolve but admitted his team need to be defensively solid.

For the second game running, Iran created plenty of chances but had to be satisfied with only a 1-0 win with the 60-year-old left pleased with the points collected but looking to improve his side’s finishing.