Asia has four direct berths in the 2010 FIFA World Cup while one more is available via a two-tiered play-off.

The two third-placed teams of Asia’s two qualifying groups will play off over two legs. The aggregate winners then go into another play-off against Oceania champions New Zealand for a place in the South Africa Finals.

The Asian play-off takes place on 5 and 9 September. The draw in the Bahamas will determine who plays at home in the opening leg.

The inter-confederation play-off against New Zealand is scheduled for 10 October and 14 November. This draw takes place after the Asian play-off draw.

Bahrain are currently third in Group A with seven points while Saudi Arabia are third in Group B with 10 points. There are three more match days in June before the standings are finalised.