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Following their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ heartbreak, the Reds bounced back to enjoy a comfortable outing in the concluding matches of Round 2 of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™.

The 18 teams were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed berths and a possible additional spot via a playoff available for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Kyrgyz Republic, Indonesia and Palestine are making their debuts at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers.

Boosted by their top place finish in the second round, Oman head coach Jaroslav Silhavy will not shy away from making changes to his squad ahead of their third round campaign, with eight spots available for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 45 teams were divided into 10 groups - five of four each and five of five each - with the Qualifiers to be played between September 21 and 29, 2024.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will advance to the Finals, with China PR scheduled to host the tournament.

The 43 teams were divided into 10 groups - seven of four each and three of five - with the Qualifiers to be played between October 19 and 27, 2024.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will advance to the Finals, with Saudi Arabia scheduled to host the tournament.

The 1-1 draw with Oman in their final Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ on Tuesday sealed the Central Asian side second spot in Group D, which also confirmed their entry to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Finals.

The result means Kyrgyz Republic finish a point ahead of Malaysia, who defeated Chinese Taipei earlier on Tuesday to retain a mathematical chance of climbing above Stefan Tarkovic’s side and into the runners-up slot.

Eldiyar Zarypbekov gave the visitors the lead in the 19th minute but Abdul Aziz Khalfan levelled 12 minutes into the second half to ensure the points were shared with Oman winning the group.

Malaysia, meanwhile, will have to defeat Chinese Taipei by a sizable margin and hope Oman beat Kyrgyz Republic to advance.

The 3-0 win secured Oman their spot in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the second edition in a row and also confirmed their ticket to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Mushaifri was the star of the show, netting in the 31st, 55th and 75th minutes as Oman moved to 12 points, with Kyrgyz Republic their opponents in a top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday.

A brace from Rahman Al Mushaifri and a strike from Jameel Al Yahmadi took Oman to 12 points from five matches, brightening their chances of advancing to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the second successive edition.

Both are on nine points and victories on Matchday Five will take them to the next stage of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying as well as booking their place in Saudi Arabia 2027.

In Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal SFC needed a late equaliser to maintain their unbeaten run while Al Wasl suffered a shock defeat in the UAE Pro League.