In Pics:China loses to Australia in FIFA World Cup qualifier

Xinhua
25 Mar 2025, 22:11 GMT+10

HANGZHOU, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China suffered a 2-0 home loss to Australia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Hangzhou, China, leaving its chance of securing a spot in the 2026 tournament in serious jeopardy with only two games remaining.

Wang Dalei (front), goalkeeper of China, fails to make a save during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Jackson Irvine (2nd L) of Australia celebrates his goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Li Lei (4th R) of China goes for an overhead kick during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Mathew Ryan (down), goalkeeper of Australia, makes a save during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Head coach of China Branko Ivankovic reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Starting players of China pose for photos prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Jackson Irvine (R) of Australia celebrates his goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Spectators are seen prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Starting players of Australia line up prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Head coach of Australia Tony Popovic reacts prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

(250325) -- HANGZHOU, March 25, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Starting players of both sides walk into the pitch prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier Group C match between China and Australia in Hangzhou, China, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)