Australia took a massive step toward FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with a commanding 3-1 victory over China in Hangzhou. The Socceroos delivered a confident performance, showcasing their strength in attack and resilience in defense, while China struggled to keep pace in front of their home crowd.
A Fast Start for the Socceroos
The match kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t take long for Australia to stamp their authority. Midfielder Jackson Irvine opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing a well-worked attacking move that left China’s defense exposed. The Socceroos continued to apply pressure, dictating the tempo with sharp passing and disciplined positioning.
Craig Goodwin doubled Australia’s lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the hosts. China, desperate for a response, found some hope when Wu Lei pulled one back in the second half, but any chance of a comeback was quickly extinguished. Young forward Nishan Velupillay, making his mark on the international stage, sealed the victory with a late goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
What This Means for Australia and China
For Australia, this victory is a major boost in their World Cup qualification campaign. With this win, they now sit at the top of Group C, just ahead of Saudi Arabia, and are well-positioned for the final rounds of qualifying. Head coach Tony Popovic praised his squad’s focus and execution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this momentum.
On the other hand, China is now in a precarious position. Sitting at the bottom of the group, their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are fading fast. The team will need to regroup, reassess their strategy, and deliver strong performances in their remaining matches to have any chance of turning things around.
Beyond Football: Hangzhou’s Economic Boost
The impact of this match wasn’t just felt on the pitch. With a record crowd of 67,000 fans packing the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, the city saw a surge in economic activity. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services all experienced a spike in demand, highlighting the strong connection between football and local economies.
What’s Next?
Australia will now turn their focus to upcoming clashes against Japan and Saudi Arabia—two formidable opponents who will test their World Cup ambitions. Meanwhile, China faces an uphill battle and must find a way to bounce back quickly if they want to salvage their qualification hopes.
One thing is certain: as the road to the 2026 World Cup continues, the drama is only just beginning.