Australia Strengthens World Cup Bid with Win Over China as Saudi Arabia Holds Japan

Australia's 2-0 victory and Saudi Arabia's draw keep the race for Group C's second automatic qualification spot alive with two matches remaining.

Australia defeated China 2-0 in Hangzhou, solidifying their hold on second place in Group C with 13 points and a superior goal difference over Saudi Arabia.
Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay scored for Australia, maintaining coach Tony Popovic's unbeaten record since taking over in September 2024.
Saudi Arabia earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against already-qualified Japan in Saitama, keeping their hopes for automatic qualification alive.
Japan, having already secured their spot as Group C leaders, rotated their squad with six changes due to injuries, including key players Kaoru Mitoma and Ayase Ueda.
The final matches, including Australia vs. Japan and Saudi Arabia vs. Australia, are expected to determine the second automatic qualifier from Group C.