China clinched a crucial 1-0 win against Bahrain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday in Manama, Bahrain. This marks China’s second win in Group C, boosting their chances of progressing in the tournament.
The match was intense from the outset. In the 11th minute, Zhang Yuning nearly gave China an early lead after bursting into the penalty area, but his close-range shot was expertly saved by Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla. Moments later, China faced a setback when Li Lei sustained an injury and was replaced by Hu Hetao.
Undeterred, China continued to press forward in the second half. Zhang threatened again in the 54th minute with a powerful header, but Lutfalla was there to deny him once more. Bahrain thought they had broken the deadlock in the 87th minute when Ali Haram found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review.
As the match edged into stoppage time, Zhang Yuning seized the decisive moment. Wang Haijian delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Zhang capitalized by volleying the ball into the back of the net, securing victory for China.
The win propels China to fourth place in Group C, leveling with Australia and Saudi Arabia on six points after they played to a 0-0 draw in Melbourne. China’s next challenge is a home match against group leaders Japan on November 19.
The top two teams from each group will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Teams finishing third and fourth will have another opportunity to advance in an additional qualifying stage.
Reference(s):
China get past Bahrain 1-0 in World Cup AFC qualifier for second win
cgtn.com
