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Associated Press

The World Cup aspirations of India and China are on the line on Tuesday when a defeat could mean elimination from Asian qualifying.
A big chunk of the world’s population will be following the results with interest.
If China lose to South Korea in Seoul in the last game of the second round of qualification then they could lose second place in Group C to Thailand, who host Singapore in Bangkok.
Only the top two teams in each of the nine groups progress to the third stage of Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Just five of the 18 spots are still up for grabs with continental football heavyweights such as Japan, Australia, Iran and Saudi Arabia already guaranteed of progressing.
China, which have qualified for only one men’s World Cup – when the tournament was co-hosted by Japan and South Korea in 2002 – missed a chance to advance last week when they drew 1-1 with Thailand in Shenyang.
“There is still a lot of football to be played and we will go to South Korea and give it all we have,” China coach Branko Ivankovic said. “We will go all out in the next match and try to qualify for the next round.”
It will be difficult for Ivankovic’s team. China have won just twice in 37 games against South Korea. At No 23, the South Koreans are 65 places higher than China on the Fifa world rankings.

And even though South Korea sealed their place in the next stage with a 7-0 rout of Singapore last week, there is unlikely to be any lack of intensity in the rivalry against China.
“Just as we gave our fans joy with the win over Singapore, we would all like to finish this round well on our home pitch,” South Korea’s interim head coach Kim Do-hoon said. “Everyone on the team feels the same.”
India could progress with a win over 2022 World Cup host Qatar but anything less will give Afghanistan an opportunity. The teams are level on points in second spot in Group A, but Afghanistan have an inferior goal difference.
India were disappointed with last week’s 0-0 against Kuwait at Kolkata and now face a tough trip to the home of the Asian champion, though Qatar have already secured first place in the group.
“We need to believe in our team,” India coach Igor Stimac said. “We need to believe in our abilities, and in what’s possible to do. We have a young team. So we need to believe in what we can do.”
Indonesia could also progress to the third stage of qualifying for the first time with a win against the Philippines.
“There will be no retreat against the Philippines. We have to work even harder,” coach Shin Tae-yong said. If Indonesia slip up, then Vietnam could take advantage with a win against the already advanced Iraq.

North Korea and Syria are vying for second spot in Group B.
Syria are one point ahead of North Korea in the standings but face a tough away trip to Japan, which have won all five games so far without conceding a goal.
North Korea take on last-place Myanmar and are expected to win.
Kyrgyzstan need just a point against Group D leader Oman to progress ahead of Malaysia in third.
Already assured of a spot in the next round despite disruptions amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Palestinian team arrived in Australia without their football federation president, Jibril Rajoub, for Tuesday’s Group I game in Perth.
Local media reported on the weekend that Rajoub was denied an entry visa despite having his application endorsed by Australian football organisers.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said he was not involved in the visa situation, with decisions made by border and immigration officials.


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Fifa World Cup 2026

China’s hopes on line against South Korea with only 5 spots left in World Cup Asian zone

The eyes of millions will be on Son Heung-min’s South Korea when they host China on Tuesday, with both teams wanting a result. Photo: Xinhua

China coach Branko Ivankovic says his team will “give it all we have” against South Korea. Photo: Xinhua

South Korea coach Kim Do-hoon wants his team to end the round well in front of their fans. Photo: AP

India coach Igor Stimac says his team must play with belief against Asian champions Qatar. Photo: Instagram

World Cup qualifiers: China need draw at South Korea, who must win to avoid losing seeding

China needed a late equaliser from Behram Abduweli (left of Thai goalkeeper Saranon Anuin) to salvage a 1-1 draw with Thailand. Photo: Xinhua

China coach Branko Ivankovic said “it was a great pity” his team could only draw 1-1 with Thailand. Photo: Xinhua

Son Heung-min (right) shakes hands with coach Kim Do-hoon after being taken off against Singapore. Photo: AP

World Cup qualifiers: Palestine create history by reaching third round for first time

Palestine needed only a point to progress, and got it with a goalless draw against Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

Son Heung-min scored twice as South Korea trounced Singapore 7-0. Photo: AP

India legend Sunil Chhetri tearfully waves to his fans after his final appearance for his country. Photo: AFP

Fifa World Cup 2026: Hong Kong players, coaches forced to miss qualifier over visa issues

Oliver Gerbig (left) cannot be replaced in the Hong Kong squad because of visa complications. Photo: Xinhua

Roberto Losada will not be able to travel to Turkmenistan with the Hong Kong side. Photo: Mike Chan

Indonesia, Asian football’s sleeping tiger, is ready to roar after Asian Cup success and almost making Olympics, World Cup

The passion of Indonesia’s football fans, seen here outside the Gelora Bung Karno stadium watching the live stream of the pre-Olympic playoff, probably outstrips any country on the Asian continental mainland. Photo: AFP

Indonesian fans at a large-screen live streaming of the 1-0 pre-Olympic play-off defeat to Guinea. Photo: AFP

Indonesia’s South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong has been responsible for Indonesia’s resurgence. Photo: AFP

Forward Rafael Struick (left) is one of a growing number of Indonesian players of international quality. Photo: AFP

Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir heads PSSI, the football association. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

If China lose in Seoul, they could lose second place in Group C to Thailand, who host Singapore; India, Indonesia among other teams in hunt


If China lose in Seoul, they could lose second spot in Group C to Thailand, who host Singapore; India, Indonesia among teams in hunt.


Kyrgyzstan

Perth