Bahrain tried their best but had to ultimately bow to Japan's supremacy as Hajime Moriyasu's side clinched an eighth successive FIFA World Cup appearance with a 2-0 win on Thursday.

With qualification sealed with three matches to spare, Japan can now focus on setting a new boundary at the global showpiece, having not advanced past the Round of 16 in their previous appearances.

It will be a surprise if Islamic Republic of Iran do not confirm their spot at next years Finals to be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Team Melli only need a point against Uzbekistan on Tuesday and with the match to be played at the Azadi Stadium, Iran will expect victory.

Back-to-back draws mean Korea Republic still have some work to do before they can book what is now a customary appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo was honest in his assessment of his side's performance against Oman and Son Heung-min and his teammates will be expected to respond against Jordan on Tuesday.

Australia and Saudi Arabia registered crucial wins on Thursday to sit second and third respectively in Group C.

With Japan having already confirmed their spot, only one automatic berth at the FIFA World Cup is available in Group C and the question now is which of the big two will miss out.

Defeats on Thursday for Kyrgyz Republic, DPR Korea and Palestine means all three are out of the running for the automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup.

Their dream, however, is not over and the three must now focus on finishing either third or fourth to advance to the playoffs, where another two spots will be available for Asian teams.