China's World Cup hopes fade after home defeat to Australia

China suffered a 2-0 home loss to Australia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifier game at home in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday, leaving their chance of securing a spot at the tournament next year in serious jeopardy with only two games remaining.

Jackson Irvine gave the Socceroos an early lead 16 minutes into the game, as his first shot from the edge of the box was blocked, but midfielder Huang Zhengyu's slip allowed him to pounce on the loose ball and fire a shot into the far corner.

The visitor doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Nishan Velupillay capitalized on goalkeeper Wang Dalei's error as his close-range strike slipped through Wang's hands into the net.

Prior to the start of the second half, naturalized player Sai Erjiniao came off the bench to make his debut for China. His introduction boosted the host's attacking efforts but failed to produce a goal despite ovation from a record 70,588 attendance.

At the bottom of Group C with six points, China now have to go all out for wins over Indonesia and Bahrain in June to keep the World Cup dream alive.

"The next two matches are the key," said China's head coach Branko Ivankovic. "We must fight for victories. It's not a result we want to see. Australia performed better in the first half and scored two goals, while we were the better side in the second half. It's a shame we didn't convert any of our opportunities."

"China gained momentum after the break, and it took us some time to regain control and secure the win," Australia's head coach Tony Popovic said, "the first half was excellent for us and I'm pleased with the result."

The top two teams in each six-team group will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams move into the next phase of qualifying.