Uzbekistan and Jordan secure World Cup berths, while China crashes out

Uzbekistan and Jordan Make World Cup History, China Eliminated

Uzbekistan and Jordan have made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, while China was eliminated from the race for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

South Korea, meanwhile, extended its impressive run by securing an 11th consecutive World Cup appearance with a 2-0 victory over Iraq, according to AP.

In a dramatic Thursday night filled with crucial matches, Australia snatched a late 1-0 win over already-qualified Japan, while China suffered a 1-0 defeat in Indonesia that ended its qualification hopes.

Uzbekistan earned the second automatic qualification spot from Group A behind Iran after a goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates. In Group B, South Korea and Jordan booked their tickets to 2026. Jordan’s qualification was sealed with a 3-0 win over Oman, thanks to a hat trick from Ali Olwan.

China’s exit was confirmed in Group C, where a first-half penalty by Ole Romeny in Jakarta secured a 1-0 win for Indonesia. China hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 2002, and despite its large population and Olympic success, struggles in international football remain puzzling.

Chinese head coach Branko Ivankovic accepted part of the blame. “This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years,” he told Xinhua. “We didn’t succeed, and as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility.” China sits at the bottom of a tough group featuring Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia, with only two wins from nine games.

Still, Ivankovic expressed hope: “We’ve brought in a younger generation of players... I believe this team has a promising future.”

Uzbek fans in Abu Dhabi celebrated joyously, crediting goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov for crucial saves that helped secure qualification.

Aside from the six automatic qualifiers — two from each of the three groups — UAE and Qatar (who beat Iran 1-0) will advance to the next stage of Asian qualifying. There, six teams will compete for two more World Cup spots.

South Korea topped its group, aided by Ali Al-Hamadi’s early red card for Iraq. Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored to seal a 2-0 win, which also ensured Jordan could finish no worse than second.

Palestine remained in contention for the next round with a 2-0 win over Kuwait, just one point behind Oman in fourth place.

Australia edged closer to its sixth straight World Cup after a dramatic late goal from Aziz Behich secured a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth. The goal came in the 90th minute after Riley McGree's assist. A narrow loss or better against third-place Saudi Arabia next week would likely confirm Australia’s qualification.

“It hasn’t sunk in just yet, but when the final whistle went it was a great feeling,” Behich said. “It’s been a long campaign, and we’ve worked so hard.”