<P> South Korea opened the score against Russia after a blunder by goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, but wound up conceding the equalizing goal shortly after . A high - scoring match with Algeria had the Koreans defeated 4--2, and a 1--0 loss to Belgium ended Korea's campaign . </P> <P> After an opening 0--0 draw with Nigeria, the Iranian defense held Argentina goalless for most of the match before a Lionel Messi goal in injury time . Needing to beat the already - eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina to clinch the group's second spot in the knockout stages, Iran wound up defeated 3--1 . </P> <P> The 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia, marked the first time five Asian teams qualified for the FIFA World Cup . Only Japan advanced past the group stage, a feat aided by fair - play points in tie - breaking . Aside from Australia, who only got a draw and two defeats, the other three had at least one win: Saudi Arabia got a 2 - 1 comeback over Egypt, Iran defeated Morocco, and in the biggest upset, South Korea beat defending champions Germany . In the round of 16, Japan surprised a favored Belgium team and got a 2 - 0 lead, only to suffer a 3 - 2 comeback that ended with a Belgian goal in the last minute of stoppage time . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs expansion . You can help by adding to it . (July 2018) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

How many asian countries are participating in fifa world cup 2018