Kaoru Mitoma is firmly on course another World Cup.

But Albion’s South American contingent are locked in battle to get to the 2026 tournament.

Mitoma was involved in the build-up for the opening goal as Japan won 2-0 away to Saudi Arabia in a six-pointer in the race for two automatic qualifying spots.

Japan lead their group with a maximum nine points from three games and a goal difference of plus-14 with Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain all on four points.

Mitoma and colleagues now head to Saitama, facing Australia in a game which will end at about 1.30pm on Tuesday our time.

Ecuador were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Paraguay, despite dominating the game with 77% possession and 15 goal attempts against three.

They struggled to create clear openings against opponents coached by former Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro.

Pervis Estupinan, who played the first 77 minutes as left wing-back, said: “Their coach was with us and knows us and he tried to block where we were looking for passes.

“It’s not the result we wanted.

“We go away a bit frustrated but the important thing is we fought until the end.

“When teams come here and sit back like that, it is difficult.”

Jeremy Sarmiento went on as sub at half-time in a bid to find a way through.

Julio Enciso played until midway through the second half for Paraguay while future Albion midfielder Diego Gomez missed the game through suspension.

Ecuador now travel to Montevideo to face Uruguay in a game which ends at about 2.30am on Wednesday our time.

Enciso and Paraguay host Venezuela in Asuncion, their match finishing half an hour earlier.

Mitoma and Estupinan were among the eight Albion players who went to the last World Cup, in Qatar almost two years ago.