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China
6th in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2023 Schedule
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![The main talking points as the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begins](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0904/r1381783_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0612/r1344788_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0627/r1351154_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0612/r1344788_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0611/r1344672_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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?](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0610/r1343988_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0606/r1342600_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0326/r1310270_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0326/r1310098_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2024/0325/r1309706_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=680&h=272&scale=crop&location=origin)
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 |
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 |