Australia edged closer to securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a solid 2-0 win over China in Hangzhou on Tuesday.

This victory, following their dominant 5-1 win over Indonesia last week, places the Socceroos second in Group C with 13 points, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia, and with a significantly better goal difference.

The top two teams in the group will earn direct spots in the North American World Cup, but Australia’s path remains uncertain. With tough fixtures ahead, including hosting already-qualified Japan and facing Saudi Arabia away in June, the race could go down to the final matchday.

China, who remain bottom of the group with six points, still have a slim chance of finishing in the top four and progressing to the next round of qualifying.

They will play Indonesia away and Bahrain at home in their final two games.

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From the outset, Australia controlled the match. Jackson Irvine opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on poor defending by China.

After his initial shot was blocked, Irvine gathered the loose ball, evaded two challenges, and fired home with his left foot. In the 29th minute, a blunder by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Dalei handed Australia a second goal.

A routine shot from Nishan Velupillay slipped through Wang’s grasp and rolled into the net, marking Velupillay’s third goal in five internationals.

In the second half, China introduced naturalized forward Serginho, who nearly made an impact with a powerful shot tipped over the bar by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

Despite pressure from over 70,000 home fans, China failed to break down an Australian side ranked 64 places higher on the FIFA rankings.

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