China rescue 1-1 draw at home to Thailand in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Behram Abduweli scored a late equalizer on his international debut as China drew with Thailand 1-1 at home in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Thursday.

Before the game, China were second in Group C on seven points, three points ahead of Thailand, and Branko Ivankovic's team went into the match, hoping to clinch a place in the final stage of Asian qualifying with a win.

However, the away team broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, when Supachai Chaided cut into penalty area from the left flank, delivering a cross for the unmarked Supachok Sarachat to score a header.

China nearly netted a quick equalizer two minutes later, but A Lan's low strike from distance hit the post, before a rebound shot from Fei Nanduo was saved by Thailand's goalkeeper.

In the 28th minute, Ivankovic made an early substitution, replacing Gao Tianyi with the 21-year-old Behram.

Thailand came close to extending their lead in the first half, firing off 10 shots and hitting the woodwork twice.

Six minutes into the second half, China's Fei Nanduo missed a penalty following a handball from Kritsada Kaman.

The hosts finally equalized in the 79th minute as Behram volleyed home a headed pass from Zhu Chenjie, following a free kick from Xie Pengfei.

China created several opportunities by playing long balls in the closing minutes, but couldn't come up with a winner.

"It was a great pity that we couldn't win the match. My players were under great pressure, and they tried their best. As a professional coach, I need to take responsibility for everything on the pitch," Ivankovic said after the game.

"Young players including Behram, Xie Wenneng, Wang Zhenao and Xu Haoyang, who played their first international match, did a great job. That missed penalty kick affected our tempo a lot, and we missed several chances in the last minutes. We need to be more patient to organize our offense," he added.

Thailand's coach Masatada Ishii also expressed disappointment over not winning the game. "We had many chances but didn't fulfill our target," he said.

In the other Group C match on Thursday, South Korea smashed Singapore 7-0 to secure a place in the final stage of Asian qualifying as group leaders.

In the last round of the second stage, China will visit South Korea next Tuesday, while Thailand face Singapore at home.

China need to pick up at least one point in South Korea to qualify for the final stage.

"For us the qualifying tournament isn't over yet. We will go all out in the next match and try to qualify for the next round," Ivankovic said.