Kuala Lumpur: Three of Asia's FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia-bound teams kickstart their preparations with friendlies over the next few days.
First up will be Islamic Republic of Iran - the first Asian side to seal a berth for next summer's extravaganza - as they take on Togo later on Thursday.
Japan, who sealed FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification after beating Australia 2-0 in the penultimate round of qualifying matches - face New Zealand on Friday.
Korea Republic, who advanced to a ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup after a nervy 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan on the final day of the third round of Asian Qualifying - face 2018 hosts Russia on Saturday as Asia's qualifiers start their build-up to next June's Finals.
Iran, who sealed their FIFA World Cup 2018 berth with an unbeaten record, will also face Russia on Tuesday as Asia's top-ranked Team Melli look to continue their impressive qualifying form into the buildup.
Iran were way ahead of the opposition in Group A of the final round of Asian qualifying as they won six and drew four, sealing their place in the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia with two matches to spare.
Coach Carlos Queiroz will be keen on maintaining his team's competitiveness as well as gauge the form of his players as the Portuguese lays the foundations for a strong challenge in Russia next year.
Japan celebrate after beating Australia to seal their place in the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia.
Japan too will be hoping for the same and the friendly against New Zealand on Friday will be a challenge as the visitors to the Toyota Stadium are still in the chase for FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification.
New Zealand sealed a spot in the Inter-Continental Play-off against the fifth-placed team from CONMEBOL after beating Solomon Islands over two-legs in the Oceania qualifiers.
The Samurai Blue, who will be appearing in their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup, will face Haiti in a second friendly on Tuesday.
Korea Republic - who will be appearing in a 10th FIFA World Cup next year - will be aiming to make full use of their appearance against Russia at the VEB Arena in Moscow on Saturday.
It will only be coach Shin Tae-yong's third match in charge after replacing German Uli Stielike in July.
Shin steadied a wavering Korea Republic and steered them into the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia but has yet to taste victory as the final qualifying matches against Iran and Uzbekistan ended 0-0.
The Taeguk Warriors will also play Morocco in Biel, Switzerland on Tuesday and Shin has only called up overseas-based players for the two friendlies.
Korea Republic drew 0-0 with Uzbekistan in their final FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
The K-League players have been allowed to focus on their respective club campaigns but Korea Republic can count on the power of Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, Ki Sung-yueng of Swansea City and Koo Ja-cheol of FC Augsburg against Russia and Morocco.
Asia's fourth qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia are Saudi Arabia.
Syria play Australia later on Thursday in the first leg of the Continental Play-off with the winners advancing to the Inter-Continental Play-off against the fourth ranked team from CONCACAF.
The return leg of the Syria-Australia tie will be in Sydney on Tuesday while the Inter-Continental Play-off will be in November.
October 5
Iran v Togo
October 6
Japan v New Zeland
October 7
Russia v South korea
October 10
Japan v Haiti
Korea Republic v Morocco
Russia v Iran
Sources: Japan Football Association, Yonhap, Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com