China’s World Cup hopes took a major hit Tuesday night following a 2-0 loss to Australia in a high-stakes qualifier in Hangzhou. With a record-breaking crowd of 70,588, the home team couldn’t turn fan energy into goals as their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows dramatically.
Australia’s Socceroos struck early, with Jackson Irvine scoring off a defensive slip in the 16th minute. Nishan Velupillay doubled the lead after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error, leaving China scrambling to regroup.
The second half saw a spirited effort from China, boosted by naturalized forward Sai Erjiniao’s debut . Despite thrilling attacks, the team couldn’t break through Australia’s defense. Postmatch, Coach Branko Ivankovic called for focus: “We must fight for victories in June.”
With only two games left against Indonesia and Bahrain, China remains at the bottom of Group C. Only top-two finishers secure automatic World Cup spots, while third place offers a playoff lifeline. For now, it’s do-or-die mode for Team Dragon .
A World Cup Dream in Peril? China Falls 2-0 to Australia in Crucial Qualifier
, the home team couldn’t turn fan energy into goals as their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup narrows dramatically.
Australia’s Socceroos struck early, with Jackson Irvine scoring off a defensive slip in the 16th minute. Nishan Velupillay doubled the lead after capitalizing on a goalkeeping error, leaving China scrambling to regroup.
. Despite thrilling attacks, the team couldn’t break through Australia’s defense. Postmatch, Coach Branko Ivankovic called for focus: “We must fight for victories in June.”
With only two games left against Indonesia and Bahrain, China remains at the bottom of Group C. Only top-two finishers secure automatic World Cup spots, while third place offers a playoff lifeline. For now, it’s do-or-die mode for Team Dragon 
.
