- Australia secures a 2-0 victory over China, strengthening its position in Group C.
- China remains at the bottom of the group and must win its final two matches.
- The battle for automatic qualification intensifies with two games left.
Australia’s dominant performance against China in the AFC FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers puts them on the brink of securing a direct spot. Goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay sealed the win, while China struggled to break through despite the support of over 70,000 home fans.
Meanwhile, Australia, now second in Group C with 13 points, must still navigate tough encounters against Japan and Saudi Arabia. With only two spots available for direct qualification, the Socceroos must maintain their form to avoid falling into the next qualification phase.
China’s World Cup Hopes Dim After 2-0 Loss to Australia
Australia delivered a solid 2-0 win over China in Hangzhou, reinforcing their qualification chances. Irvine’s early strike and Velupillay’s goal capitalized on defensive lapses, giving the Socceroos full control of the match. Despite China’s second-half push, they failed to convert their chances, putting their World Cup dreams in serious jeopardy.
China, now at the bottom of Group C with just six points, faces an uphill battle. They must win their remaining matches against Indonesia and Bahrain while hoping for favorable results elsewhere. With only two direct qualification spots, their chances appear slim.
For Australia, the victory provides a crucial cushion, but challenges remain. They must host group leaders Japan before a tricky away fixture against Saudi Arabia, making their path to qualification far from certain. A slip-up could push them into the next qualifying round, a scenario they hope to avoid.
The upcoming matches will determine whether Australia can secure direct entry or if China can mount a miraculous comeback. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on June’s fixtures.
China’s World Cup qualification hopes are hanging by a thread after their loss to Australia. They must now deliver two flawless performances in June, or their 2026 dream will end prematurely.
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
