The national football team can only compete for the top four in the group to play the 2026 World Preliminary Tournament play-offs, and South Korea should be winless again

The Chinese men's football team lost 0-2 at home to Australia in the 8th round of Group C of the top 18 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia on the 25th, and can only fight for the top four in the group in the last two rounds to qualify for a play-off place. The Chinese team's two mistakes in the first half made the Australian team laugh and let the game be decided early, and Australia beat China twice after winning 3-1 at home in the first leg.

The picture shows Chinese striker Zhang Yuning (right) and Australian midfielder Ryan. Teague scrambles

In the last round, China lost 0-1 away to Saudi Arabia and Australia beat Indonesia 5-1 at home. This game is a must-win for China, and Australia must also win to consolidate another place through to qualification. Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi of the Chinese team were injured, and Lin Liangming and Wang Shangyuan were suspended for this game. In the 16th minute of the opening game, Australia attacked on the right side. Owen's volley in the box was blocked, and he immediately grabbed the ball at Hwang's feet and scored to give the team a 1-0 lead.

In the 29th minute, Velupile volleyed near the penalty spot, Wang Dalei saved but the "butter hand" ball leaked into the goal, and Australia led by 2 goals to end the half. In the second half, although the Chinese team tried its best to recover the lost ground, it failed to score many shots on goal, and had no choice but to swallow three consecutive defeats.

South Korean striker Lee Jae-sung (center) opened the scoring for the team and celebrated with teammate Park Yong-woo. However, Jordan managed to equalize later.

In the other match of Group C, Japan, which had already qualified in the previous round, drew at home with Saudi Arabia. After the game, Japan continued to lead Group B with 20 points, Australia ranked second with 13 points, Saudi Arabia ranked third with 10 points, and China continued to be at the bottom with 6 points. China will be eliminated in the next round if it loses to Indonesia.

In Group B, South Korea once again went winless, with a one-goal lead and forced to draw by Jordan, and the two teams ended up tied 1-1. In the 5th minute, Son Heung-min assisted Lee Jae-sung to score, and Jordan equalized in the 30th minute by Mamad Almadi. South Korea won 4 and 4 and accumulated 16 points after the game, and Jordan was second with 13 points.