South Korea’s forward and captain #07 Son Heung-min scored a stunning goal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification match against Oman, helping his team secure a 3-1 victory. This win marked South Korea’s first victory in the final Asian qualifying phase after being held goalless by Palestine in the previous match. Son’s goal, along with goals from Hwang Hee-chan and Joo Min-kyu, propelled South Korea to a crucial victory in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Australia, on the other hand, faced a disappointing 0-0 draw against Indonesia in their Group C encounter. Despite dominating the game and creating numerous chances, the Socceroos were unable to find the back of the net for the second consecutive match. The team’s inability to convert their opportunities into goals was evident as they came closest when Nestory Irankunda’s shot hit the post. The Socceroos will face tough challenges in the upcoming matches against China and Japan, and coach Graham Arnold will need to strategize to get his team back on track.
In another Group C match, Saudi Arabia staged an impressive comeback against China, coming from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 victory. Despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the match, Saudi Arabia managed to equalize through Hassan Kadish before snatching a late winner in the dying seconds. This victory was a significant boost for Roberto Mancini’s side after suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat against Japan in their previous match.
In Group A, North Korea battled against Asian Cup champions Qatar in challenging weather conditions. After taking an early lead, North Korea was reduced to 10 men following a red card. Despite the adverse weather that forced a temporary halt in the match, both teams struggled on the waterlogged pitch. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Kang Kuk Chol scoring a spectacular free-kick equalizer for North Korea in difficult playing conditions.
The final phase of Asian World Cup qualifying is heating up, with teams vying for a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams from each of the three six-team Asian groups will secure qualification for the prestigious tournament. As the competition intensifies, teams will need to showcase their best performances and strategic tactics to secure their spot in the World Cup.
Overall, the Asian World Cup qualifying matches have provided thrilling moments and unexpected results, highlighting the competitive nature of football in the region. With star players like Son Heung-min showcasing their skills on the international stage, fans can expect more exciting matches and memorable moments as teams battle for a chance to represent Asia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
