the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the Asian Zone (AFC). The Asian Football Confederation was allocated four qualifying berths for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and one place in a play-off, however Qatar, qualified automatically, leaving 3 spots open for competition between 40 teams. Myanmar withdrew from the tournament after being placed in Group 2 but before any matches had been played, therefore reducing the group to 3 teams. Asia's three remaining automatic qualifying berths were taken by Saudi Arabia, South Korea and China. Japan failed to become a fourth Asian representative in the World Cup after losing their AFC/CONCACAF playoff against Mexico.