China

China

6th in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
The main talking points as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins The main talking points as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins

There is plenty to look forward to as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday.

The 18 teams contesting the third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup The 18 teams contesting the third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup

18 teams are still in the hunt to reach the World Cup as the third round of Asian qualifiers kick off on Thursday.

Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia to clash again in Asian World Cup qualifiers Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia to clash again in Asian World Cup qualifiers

Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia will renew their respective rivalries in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The 18 teams advancing to the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup The 18 teams advancing to the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

With the second round of the Asian qualifiers completed, 18 teams are still in the hunt to reach the World Cup.

China alive in World Cup qualifying despite South Korea loss China alive in World Cup qualifying despite South Korea loss

China squeezed into the third round of Asia's preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup by the narrowest of margins on Tuesday despite slipping to a 1-0 loss at the hands of South Korea in Seoul.

Who is still a chance of progressing in the Asian World Cup qualifiers heading into the final day? Who is still a chance of progressing in the Asian World Cup qualifiers heading into the final day?

13 are through but five spots in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup are still up for grabs.

Palestine reach World Cup qualifying final round for 1st time Palestine reach World Cup qualifying final round for 1st time

Palestine advanced to the final round of World Cup qualification for the first time ever Thursday with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon.

South Korea bounces back as Iraq, Australia progress in World Cup qualifiers South Korea bounces back as Iraq, Australia progress in World Cup qualifiers

Iraq and Australia booked their third round berths while South Korea returned to form after their draw last week.

Ex-China FA president jailed for life over $10m bribes Ex-China FA president jailed for life over $10m bribes

A former chief of China's football association has been sentenced to life in prison for accepting more than $10 million in bribes, state media reported on Tuesday, following one of the biggest anti-corruption probes in the sport in years.

Five things to keep an eye on for match day 4 of the Asian World Cup qualifiers Five things to keep an eye on for match day 4 of the Asian World Cup qualifiers

From teams desperately needing a win to those on the verge of advancing, here are five things to look out for on match day 4 of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

WCQ - AFC Standings

# TEAM GP GD PTS
1 Japan 1 +7 3
2 Bahrain 1 +1 3
3 Saudi Arabia 1 0 1
4 Indonesia 1 0 1
5 Australia 1 -1 0
6 China 1 -7 0
Full Standings

Team Leaders

Top Scorers

# Player Goals M A
Wu Lei 5 6 1
Wang Shangyuan 1 7 1
Yuning Zhang 1 6 1

Top Assists

# Player Assists M G
Wang Shangyuan 1 7 1
Wu Lei 1 6 5
Yuning Zhang 1 6 1