China maintained its hopes for the 2026 World Cup despite a narrow 1-0 defeat against South Korea in Asian qualifying on Tuesday.
China secured advancement to the third qualification round by the slimmest of margins, as Thailand, needing a three-goal victory against Singapore, managed only a 3-1 win.
South Korea emerged as the leaders of Group C in the second round of continental qualifying, positioning themselves 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 found the net in the 61st minute, securing the victory for South Korea. Tottenham’s Son Heung-min provided the assist, setting up the goal with a cross that found its way to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.
“We were able to keep China from creating any dangerous chances,” remarked Son. “There’s no such thing as a perfect match, but we stayed patient and capitalized on our chance to win.”
China, requiring a draw or better to secure second place in the group, had to rely on Singapore avoiding a three-goal loss in Bangkok.
China’s lone appearance at a men’s World Cup was in 2002 when the tournament was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
At Rajamangala Stadium, Suphanat Mueanta put Thailand in the lead in the first half, only for Ikhsan Fandi to equalize just before the hour mark. Although Thailand managed to go 3-1 up with goals from Poramet Arjvirai and Jaroensak Wonggorn, they fell short of the required margin.
“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.”
India faced heartbreak as they needed a win against Group A leaders Qatar to progress but lost 2-1 in Doha despite scoring first. Kuwait secured second spot with seven points from six games after a late 81st-minute goal against Afghanistan.
In earlier action, Australia defeated Palestine 5-0 in Perth, maintaining their perfect record in Group I with six wins out of six and a remarkable 22-0 goal difference.
Indonesia progressed with a 2-0 victory over the Philippines in Group F.
North Korea capitalized on Syria’s 5-0 defeat to Japan to claim second place in Group B with a 4-1 win over Myanmar.
Oman and Kyrgyzstan advanced from Group D, while Iran and Uzbekistan secured their places in the third round, which is set to commence in September, alongside Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Jordan clinched the top spot in Group G with a 2-1 upset win over Saudi Arabia.
