In heats on Saturday, both the US and Kenya had been impacted by Zambian runners during handovers, with World Athletics deciding to allow the two teams to have a re-run, with the winners advancing to the final.

The US quartet of Christopher Bailey, Demarius Smith, Bryce Deadmon and Jenoah McKiver came out on top in 2 minute 58.48 second.

They will now be included as the ninth team in the final scheduled for 1120 GMT at Tokyo’s National Stadium.

The US has won nine of the last 10 4x400m relays at world championships.

South Africa’s men also had a solo re-run in the 4x100m relay.

Shaun Maswanganyi, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana and Akani Simbine failed to finish their heat but were obstructed by an Italian athlete and successfully appealed.

They had to time better than 38.34 seconds to advance as the ninth team to the final, but last year’s Olympic silver medallists could only finish in 38.64.