World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 3: Surprise!

While the Japanese team had a devastating 7-0 victory over the Chinese team, the Australian team shocked fans when they suffered a 0-1 defeat against the Bahrain team. This was considered an "earthquake" in the opening match of the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

Welcoming the underdog at home, the opportunity to win all 3 points for coach Graham Arnold and his team is extremely clear. In every aspect, the Australian team, which has participated in the World Cup 6 times in the past, is completely superior to the team nicknamed Al-Ahmar.

Unfortunately, things did not go that way. Not only did they not score, but the Australian team also received a "counterattack" from the away team. An own goal by defender Harry Souttar in the 89th minute helped the Bahrain team to victory right at Cbus Super Stadium (Gold Coast).

No less surprising to football fans was the match between the Korean team and the Palestinian team. Although playing at home at the Seoul Olympic Stadium, coach Hong Myung-bo and his team were unable to break through the net of the team from the Middle East.

Throughout the 90 matches, the Korean team dominated the game and created a series of delicious opportunities. However, Son Heung-min and his teammates failed to capitalize on the success to help the "Kim Chi" team get 3 full points. A draw like a loss for coach Hong Myung-bo and his team.

However, with their strength, the opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup for the Australian and Korean teams is still wide open. Because, if they finish in one of the top 4 positions in the group, they will automatically be present at the biggest football festival on the planet held in the US, Canada and Mexico./.