China beat Bahrain 1-0 to end FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign

18-year-old forward Wang Yudong scored a late penalty for China as the home team beat Bahrain 1-0 in southwest China's Chongqing on Tuesday to finish their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying journey.

After losing to Indonesia and Saudi Arabia respectively last Thursday, China and Bahrain had already failed to qualify for the next phase of the Asian qualifier playoff tournament.

In a match that could give either side some consolation, few chances to score were seen in the first half.

China controlled the second half, however, as Wang frequently burst down the left wing to create scoring opportunities. However, his shots were denied by Bahrain's goalkeeper.

In the 93rd minute, the teenager finally bagged his first international goal as he converted a late penalty with composure, after Wang Ziming's cross forced a handball foul in Bahrain's penalty area.

China gained a total of nine points from three wins and seven losses after three rounds of World Cup qualifiers, to finish fifth in Group C, three points ahead of Bahrain. This was the sixth consecutive failed attempt for the Chinese men's team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.