The second round of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for WC 2026 saw some exciting results. The Japanese, Australian, and South Korean favorites all emerged victorious in their respective matches. However, former Croatian coach Igor Štimac’s India suffered a 0-3 defeat to Katra at home.
In Group C, South Korea dominated the match against China with Tottenham striker Son Heung-min scoring twice and assisting a third goal. Son gave the Koreans the lead in the 11th minute from a penalty spot after Hwang Hee-chan was fouled in the penalty area. He added the second goal in the last minute of the first half with a header, and in the 87th minute, Jung Seung-hyun scored the third goal for South Korea. Meanwhile, Thailand beat Singapore 3-1 in this group, with Suphanat Mueanta scoring twice.
In Group B held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Japan defeated Syria 5-0 as guests, with two goals from Real Sociedad striker Takegush Kubo. In contrast, North Korea secured their first win of the campaign by beating Myanmar 6-1 in Yangon with Jong Il Gwan scoring a hat-trick.
Australia celebrated away to Palestine with a high-quality match played on neutral ground in Kuwait by winning 1-0 thanks to Harry Souttar’s goal in