The opening two rounds were spectacular affairs with thrilling matches, shock results and amazing goals.
As the 18 teams get set for another round of battles on Thursday, with Matchday 4 to follow five days later, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the three groups stand, with six automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake.
GROUP A
Something has to give when Uzbekistan welcome the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent for their top-of-the-table clash. .....