With the likes of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in the group, Islamic Republic of Iran and Uzbekistan wouldn't have thought that it would be possible for them to have a six-point lead after just four matches.

But this is exactly the scenario they find themselves in with both strengthening their claims for the two automatic spots to the Finals with crucial wins on Tuesday, Iran sensationally defeating Qatar 4-1 while Uzbekistan edged UAE 1-0.

Based on their performances, Iran look set for a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance while Uzbekistan are extremely close to securing a ticket to the global showpiece for the first time.

Six points out of six for a Korea Republic side missing Son Heung-min and several others through injury indicates just how deep the East Asian side's talent pool is.

The impressive 2-0 win over Jordan was followed by a 3-2 defeat of Iraq - two teams who had the potential to derail Hong Myung-bo's team, with the head coach lavish in his praise of the substitutes who were sent into the fray.

Having ended Matchday Four with a three-point lead, Korea Republic look well placed for an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

It took an own goal to finally end Japan's perfect run in the AFC Asian Qualifiers, with Shogo Taniguchi turning the ball into his own net to give Australia the lead on Tuesday.

Cameron Burgess returned the favour as the teams shared a 1-1 draw with Taniguchi's own goal the first Japan have conceded since beginning their campaign in the second round.

Hajime Moriyasu's side scored 24 times in Round 2 and have already amassed 15 after four AFC Asian Qualifiers' ties to sit on 10 points, five clear of Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, keeping them well on track for an eighth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Little would Qatar have expected that they would be on the receiving end of a heavy defeat after Almoez Ali opened the scoring with a stunner against Iran on Tuesday.

Having revived their campaign with a 3-1 win over Kyrgyz Republic, Ali's 57th goal for his country was just the start the two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions desired but Qatar's defensive frailties not only allowed Iran back into the tie but ultimately cruise to a 4-1 victory.

The defeat kept Qatar on four points - six behind Iran and Uzbekistan - with their hopes of taking one of the two automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup now hanging by a thread.

Just one point from a possible six means Saudi Arabia not only trail Japan by five but are also level with Australia and Bahrain with six matches remaining.

This is in stark contrast to their 2022 qualifying campaign, with the West Asian side easily topping their group to book a seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup, which was followed by a stunning 2-1 defeat of eventual champions Argentina.

With Japan in a class of their own, Australia on the rise and Bahrain seeking a first appearance on the global stage, Roberto Mancini's side have no margin for error in the November fixtures against the Socceroos and Indonesia.