Asia’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Australia Makes it Six Points Out of Six with Win Over China
Group C Dominance Continues for Australia
HANGZHOU: Australia took another stride towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup today with Tony Popovic’s side handing China a 2-0 defeat in Hangzhou as Group C rivals Saudi Arabia were held to a 0-0 draw by already-qualified Japan at Saitama Stadium.
South Korea’s Struggles Continue
South Korea’s struggles on home soil continued, meanwhile, as Hong Myung-bo’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Jordan in Suwon in Group B. The top two finishers in each of Asia’s three preliminary groups advance directly to the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with the teams in third and fourth progressing to another round of qualifiers.
Australia’s Victory Secures Six Points Out of Six
Australia made it six points out of six in the current window with victory over China as first half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay earned another Socceroos success following Thursday’s 5-1 win against Indonesia. Irvine put his side in front after 16 minutes when he stepped inside onto his left foot to fire into the bottom corner beyond Wang Dalei. The Shandong Taishan goalkeeper was to blame for the visitors’ second 13 minutes later, fumbling Velupillay’s bobbling shot from the edge of the penalty area over his own line.
Japan and Saudi Arabia’s Pointless Draws
Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan side dropped points for only the second time in the preliminaries as the Samurai Blue were unable to find a way through a disciplined Saudi Arabia defence. Daizen Maeda went closest when he hit the post in the ninth minute after Daichi Kamada’s perfectly-weighted through ball released the Celtic man behind the visitors’ backline. There was more frustration for the Koreans, who drew at home for the third time in the current phase of qualifying but continue to lead Group B.
Group B Standings
- South Korea: 16 points
- Jordan: 13 points
- Iraq: 10 points
Conclusion
The win moves Australia to 13 points from eight matches, consolidating their hold on second place in the group behind Japan and taking them three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia. The Socceroos’ consistency has been key to their success, and they will look to continue their winning streak in the next round of qualifiers.
FAQs
- When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. - How do teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
The top two finishers in each of Asia’s three preliminary groups will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams in third and fourth place will progress to another round of qualifiers. - Who is leading Group B?
South Korea is currently leading Group B, with 16 points from eight matches.