The top two in the group are automatically granted their place in Russia, with the third-place sides advancing to a continental play-off.
The football team’s journey comes amid a harrowing period for Syria, with the Middle Eastern state engulfed in a civil war for the best part of six years.
Syrian city of Aleppo has been practically destroyed due to ongoing civil warEPASoldiers rest during battle in AleppoEPA
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Syria players celebrate after securing a historic victory away against ChinaReutersSyria’s Omar Khrbin in action against Uzbekistan in MalaysiaEPA
Much of the country is part of an Isis stronghold, with Syrian government forces and those from the international coalition battling to regain territory.
And many of the country’s best footballers have been forced to flee.
Given the security fears and economic sanctions, their home fixtures are played more than 4,500 miles away in Malaysia, with games taking place in various cities across the country.
Despite having little — if any — support, they are making a genuine fight of qualifying for the World Cup.
Syria’s Omar Kharbin puts a tackle in on Qatar’s Luiz Ceara during 1-0 defeatGetty ImagesSyria home games take place in Malaysia without any supportEPA
With 90 minutes on the clock and score still goalless against Uzbekistan in Krubong, the “home side’s” prospects were looking bleak.
But 23-year-old Omar Kharbin showed immense coolness beyond his age when given the chance to snatch the victory in stoppage time from 12 yards — stepping up to convert a Panenka-style penalty.
To give it a little context, the victory over Uzbekistan earned the players a bonus of £800, which is a year’s wages for a Syrian footballer.
Syria earned a famous 0-0 draw against runaway group leaders, IranGetty ImagesSyria’s Zaher Almedani heads the ball during 0-0 qualifying draw with IranGetty Images
And a figure many in the country can only dream about, given the currency has devalued by 1,000 per cent since the start of the conflict.
In October, Syria defied all the odds when they went to China — who have invested billions on improving their football infrastructure and has a population of 1.4bn — and won 1-0.
They are also above 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in their group, and even held high-fliers Iran to a 0-0 draw.
Syria head coach Ayman Hakeem would create folklore with World Cup appearanceGetty ImagesSouth Korea prepare for their massive World Cup qualifier against SyriaEPA
And now they face the biggest match in their history as they travel to Seoul to face World Cup regulars South Korea.
Victory would put them on the brink of football folklore.
While Syria qualifying for the World Cup would surely be the greatest sporting story of all-time, compared to the devastation the country’s people are suffering, their incredible road to Russia would be a walk in the park.
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