China Squeaks Into 2026 World Cup Qualification Despite Loss

China narrowly kept its 2026 World Cup dreams alive despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea in Asian qualifiers. Benefiting from Thailand's insufficient win against Singapore, China moved to the third qualification round. Many Asian teams still vie for automatic spots with tense matches awaiting.

China's 2026 World Cup aspirations remain alive, albeit by the slimmest margin, after a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in Asian qualifying on Tuesday. Despite the loss, China advanced to the third qualification round, thanks to Thailand's failure to achieve a necessary three-goal victory against Singapore, merely winning 3-1 instead.

South Korea topped Group C in the second round of continental qualifying, poised for an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. Six of the 18 teams will earn automatic spots at the World Cup, with two more securing direct entry from a fourth qualification stage, and another team entering intercontinental playoffs.

In front of 65,000 fans at Seoul World Cup Stadium, PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute from a cross by Tottenham star Son Heung-min. South Korea prevented China from mounting dangerous attacks, according to Son, who underscored the team's patience and strategic gameplay.

China's World Cup presence remains sparse, with their only appearance in 2002 when co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. In other qualification matches, Thailand's Suphanat Mueanta expressed deep disappointment after the team fell short despite a valiant 3-1 win over Singapore. Heartbreak was also felt in India's camp as they failed to progress after a 2-1 loss to Qatar in Doha.

Australia's Socceroos crushed the Palestinian team 5-0 in Group I, while Indonesia, North Korea, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia all advanced. Upcoming matches in September promise heightened suspense as teams battle for coveted World Cup spots.

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