With Argentina, Ghana, Chile and Australia's hopes all hanging by a thread... who will qualify for World Cup 2018 in Russia?

• The race to qualify for Russia 2018 is almost over, with 12 teams already booked
• The home nations, besides England, have it all to play for in the coming days
• Argentina, Ghana, Chile and Australia's hopes are all hanging by a thread

Argentina's hopes are hanging by a thread... but who will book their place at Russia next year

AFC - 46 teams competing for 4.5 places

Qualified: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Japan 

The only thing left to be decided is whether Syria or Australia will triumph in their play-off and go to a winner-takes-all encounter with a team from CONCACAF (as it stands, Panama). They drew 1-1 in the first leg and conclude matters in Sydney on Tuesday (kick-off 10am British time). 

Australia, with five English-based players including Huddersfield’s in-form Aaron Mooy, have qualified for three World Cups in a row and are favourites for this one.

Australia, who have the in-form Aaron Mooy, have qualified for three World Cups in a row