AFC U23 Championship: How it stands now

After 2016 runners-up Korea Republic sealed their progress on Matchday Two, seven of the eight knockout spots are still to be confirmed.

Ahead of the action, the-AFC.com takes a detailed look at exactly who needs what in order to go through and move one step closer to Continental glory and a place at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

GROUP A

After racking up four points from their opening two games, Australia now only need to draw with Bahrain to secure their place in the next round. The Bahrainis, meanwhile, must win to stand any chance of going through.

In the group’s other game, second-placed Thailand require a point from their meeting with Iraq to advance, although a defeat would see Iraq progress at their expense.

Tuesday, January 14
Thailand v Iraq: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok: 20:15 (UTC +7)
Australia v Bahrain: Thammasat Stadium, Bangkok: 20:15 (UTC +7)

GROUP B

Matchday Three sees table-topping Syria taking on second-placed Saudi Arabia, with the Syrians knowing that a point would guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.

Saudi Arabia, however, need to win as anything less than a 2-2 draw for them would mean elimination should Qatar defeat already-eliminated Japan on the head-to-head rule.

Qatar drew 2-2 with Syria and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, who defeated Japan 2-1 in their opening match.

Wednesday, January 15
Qatar v Japan: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok: 20:15 (UTC +7)
Saudi Arabia v Syria: Thammasat Stadium, Bangkok: 20:15 (UTC +7)

GROUP C

After two successive victories, Korea Republic are already through to the knockout stage. They will secure top spot with a draw against Uzbekistan – a result which would also see the Central Asians go through.

Elsewhere, the Islamic Republic of Iran need both a win and an Uzbekistan loss to retain any hope of advancing, while China PR will be playing for pride alone when they face the Iranians.

Wednesday, January 15
Uzbekistan v Korea Republic: Thammasat Stadium, Bangkok: 17:15 (UTC +7)
China PR v IR Iran: Tinsulanon Stadium, Songkhla: 17:15 (UTC +7)

GROUP D

Current Group D leaders United Arab Emirates and second-placed Jordan will both advance to the knockout stage should their match end in a scoring draw, even if Vietnam defeat already-eliminated DPR Korea in their tie.

The head-to-head rule will come into play should all three teams finish on five points, with Vietnam having played to goalless draws against UAE and Jordan.

Thursday, January 16
Vietnam v DPR Korea: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok: 20:15 (UTC +7)
Jordan v United Arab Emirates: Buriram Stadium, Buriram: 20:15 (UTC +7)