China managed to keep its hopes alive for the 2026 World Cup despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against South Korea in Asian qualifying on Tuesday.
Despite the loss, China advanced to the third qualification round by a slim margin as Thailand, needing a three-goal victory against Singapore, only managed a 3-1 win.
South Korea finished atop Group C in the second round of continental qualifying, maintaining their trajectory for an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.
Out of the 18 Asian teams in the next stage, six will secure automatic spots at the World Cup. Additionally, two more teams will earn direct entry to the World Cup from a fourth stage in Asian qualifying, while another will contend in intercontinental playoffs for a spot at the global tournament.
In front of a crowd of 65,000 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Lee Kang-in netted the sole goal in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a cross from Tottenham star Son Heung-min to secure the victory for South Korea.
“We were able to keep China from creating any dangerous chances,” remarked Son Heung-min. “There’s no such thing as a perfect match, but we stayed patient and capitalized on our chance to win.”
China, needing a draw or better to secure second place in the group, now waits on Singapore's performance in Bangkok.
China's only appearance at a men's World Cup thus far was in 2002, during the tournament co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
At Rajamangala Stadium, Suphanat Mueanta initially put Thailand in the lead before Ikhsan Fandi equalized just before the hour mark. Despite Thailand's efforts, including goals from Poramet Arjvirai and Jaroensak Wonggorn, they fell short of securing a place in the next round.
“I feel disappointed that we didn’t make it to the next round,” expressed Suphanat. “I have to apologize to the football fans and all Thai people … there were so many opportunities.”
In another disappointment, India, needing a win against Group A leader Qatar, lost 2-1 in Doha despite scoring the opening goal. Kuwait's 81st-minute goal against Afghanistan secured their second spot with seven points from six games.
Elsewhere, Australia dominated the Palestinian team with a 5-0 victory in Perth, maintaining their perfect record in Group I with six wins out of six matches and a goal difference of 22-0.
Indonesia progressed with a 2-0 win over the Philippines in Group F, while North Korea secured second place in Group B with a 4-1 win over Myanmar, capitalizing on Syria's 5-0 loss to Japan.
Oman and Kyrgyzstan progressed from Group D, while Iran and Uzbekistan also advanced to the third round, set to commence in September, along with Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Jordan clinched the top spot in Group G with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.
