The Socceroos are tasting Asian qualification for the first time since switching confederations, but they will not have an easy ride to make it to the next stage.

In Group One they will come up against China, Qatar and Asian champions Iraq.

Five group winners and five runners-up go through to final qualifying stage where they will be drawn in two groups of five.

The two winners and two runners-up of these groups qualify for the finals.

The two third-placed teams play off against each other for the right to play the winner of the Oceania qualifying section.