Australia secured a valuable victory against 'second-string' Japan, taking a significant step toward qualifying for the World Cup, while China's hopes are effectively extinguished.

The Japan national team lost 0-1 to Australia in the 9th round of the Asian final qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, held on the 5th at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.

Australia narrowly won against Japan thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal from Aziz Behich. Japan, which had already secured the top spot in the group, fielded an experimental lineup close to a second string but ultimately suffered its first loss.

With this victory, Australia recorded 16 points (4 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss), extending the gap between them and third-placed Saudi Arabia, which has 10 points, to 6 points, securing a favorable position to ensure at least a second-place finish in the group regardless of the results of the remaining matches. In contrast, China (6 points) lost all chance of finishing in third place, thus completely extinguishing its direct qualification hopes for the World Cup.

Even if China wins its remaining match against Indonesia (the 10th round), it will only have 9 points, while Saudi Arabia, currently at 10 points, is highly likely to maintain at least third place depending on the results of the remaining matches. According to AFC regulations, the 1st and 2nd places from each group qualify directly for the World Cup, while the 3rd and 4th places gain additional opportunities through playoffs.

Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu fielded a second-string lineup primarily of players from the Paris Olympic generation after confirming early qualification for the World Cup. Except for captain Daichi Kamada, most of the players had little experience, with fewer than 10 international matches each, and only in the second half did key players like Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo make their appearances.

Japan dominated the game throughout the first half, but efforts from Fujita, Hirakawa, and Suzuki failed to find the net. In the second half, they tried to turn the momentum with substitutes such as Takefusa Kubo and Machino, but finished with regrets.

Ultimately, the match was decided in the added time of the second half. Australia's McGree broke through on the right side and made a cutback, which Behich finished to score the winning goal. With this goal, Japan faced defeat for the first time in 12 matches, and Australia took another step closer to qualifying for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the final matches of Group C will be held on the 10th and 11th. Australia will face Saudi Arabia, while China will take on Indonesia at 10:45 a.m. and then clash with Bahrain on the 10th. However, with Australia securing 3 points against Japan in this matchup, China's situation regarding the remaining playoff ticket has become unclear.

[OSEN]