Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi gave Iran a 2-0 win at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran to seal their spot at the tournament.

They currently top Group A of the third round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), having achieved six wins and two draws from their matches.

With two games left of the phase, Iran have an eight-point advantage over third place Uzbekistan, so have sealed one of the two automatic berths.

Iran have gone 11 qualifying matches without conceding a goal, helping the country achieve back-to-back appearances at the World Cup for the first time.

The Asian nation finished bottom of their group at the last World Cup in Brazil after two defeats and one draw, although they were only narrowly beaten by eventual finalists Argentina when Lionel Messi scored an injury time winner.

"I am very happy that we have qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row and that we have brought happiness to the Iranian people,"" said Taremi.

"I feel so happy that I was able to score a goal and that my goal was able to help us win the match.

"We are very happy and it shows the great progress we are making in Asia.

"I hope we continue to perform like this in the future and qualify for the World Cup every four years."

South Korea look best placed to claim the second qualifying spot in Group A.

They are one point clear of Uzbekistan with a game in hand.

However, their hopes took a hit after being beaten 3-2 by Qatar today.

Group B is led by Japan on 17 points, but Saudi Arabia and Australia lie one point behind heading into the final two matches.

The third place nation in each group will be forced to go through playoffs to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Brazil were the first nation to qualify for the tournament in March.

Trecord five-time winners dominated the South American section.

As the host nation, Russia are guaranteed a place.