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4w ago

Australia Strengthens World Cup Bid with Key Victory Over China

The Socceroos' 2-0 win in Hangzhou solidifies their hold on second place in Group C, with automatic qualification within reach.

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Soccer Football - African Qualifiers - Egypt v Sierra Leone - Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt - March 25, 2025 Egypt's Mohamed Salah in action with Sierra Leone's Sallieu Tarawallie REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group C - Australia v Indonesia - Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia - March 20, 2025 Australia's Tony Popovic reacts REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

Overview

  • Australia defeated China 2-0 in Hangzhou, with goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay, to move closer to automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • The Socceroos now sit second in Group C with 13 points, three ahead of Saudi Arabia, and hold a significant goal difference advantage (+7 to Saudi Arabia's -2).
  • Tony Popovic remains unbeaten as Australia's coach, with six games without a loss since taking over in September 2024.
  • Japan has already secured top spot in Group C, while China has been eliminated from direct qualification and will aim for a playoff spot in their final matches.
  • The final June matches, including Australia hosting Japan and traveling to Saudi Arabia, will determine the second automatic qualifier and playoff participants.