Overview

• Australia defeated China 2-0 in Hangzhou, solidifying their hold on second place in Group C with 13 points and a superior goal difference over Saudi Arabia.
• Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay scored for Australia, maintaining coach Tony Popovic's unbeaten record since taking over in September 2024.
• Saudi Arabia earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against already-qualified Japan in Saitama, keeping their hopes for automatic qualification alive.
• Japan, having already secured their spot as Group C leaders, rotated their squad with six changes due to injuries, including key players Kaoru Mitoma and Ayase Ueda.
• The final matches, including Australia vs. Japan and Saudi Arabia vs. Australia, are expected to determine the second automatic qualifier from Group C.