Third Round action in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Asian Qualifiers continues on Tuesday night, as Australia flies northwest to take on China in a crucial Group C fixture. A win for the Socceroos would go a long way to securing a top two spot and automatic World Cup qualifications, but it certainly won’t be easy on enemy soil. We bring you our preview and best bet for the match below!
2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Australia vs China
Tuesday 10:00pm AEDT, Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium
Australia will travel to Hangzhou for a crucial Group C clash against China on Tuesday night, with both teams desperate for points in their World Cup qualification campaign. The Socceroos will take confidence from their 5-1 victory over Indonesia last week, where they showed clinical finishing despite not dominating possession or shots. Indonesia missed an early penalty before Australia converted one of their own, shifting momentum in their favour. Leading 3-0 at half-time, Australia capitalised on their chances, scoring five goals from just nine shots. While the scoreline suggested a dominant display, the Socceroos were efficient rather than overwhelming. With three games left in Group C, Australia sits second, just one point ahead of Saudi Arabia. A win against China, combined with a Saudi Arabia loss to Japan, would put Australia in a strong position for World Cup qualification.
China, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of Group C but remains within striking distance, trailing Australia by just four points. Their most recent match saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat away to Saudi Arabia in a frustrating match that saw Lin Liangming sent off just before half-time. Despite a strong defensive effort, they struggled offensively, failing to register a single shot on target. China will be desperate to respond in front of their home fans, knowing a win would reignite their qualification hopes. Their last meeting with Australia in October 2024 ended in a 3-1 loss, but China showed resilience, taking an early lead before the Socceroos fought back. With the stakes high, a fiercely competitive battle is expected.
Australia enters this fixture as favourites, but China’s recent form suggests they cannot be underestimated. Before their scoreless outing against Saudi Arabia, China had found the net in seven straight matches, highlighting their attacking potential. Australia, meanwhile, has scored seven goals across their last two games, showing improved fluency in attack. With both sides needing a result, an open game could be on the cards. Given the attacking capabilities of both teams and the pressure of qualification, the Both Teams to Score market appears a strong option in what should be a highly competitive contest.
Both Teams to Score – Yes
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
