The second round of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for WC 2026 saw several exciting matches, with some unexpected results. In Group C, South Korea emerged victorious over China with a score of 3-0, thanks to two goals from Tottenham striker Son Heung-min and one from Jung Seung-hyun. Meanwhile, in Group B, Japan defeated Syria 5-0 as guests in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
In Group E, Hong Kong came back twice to draw 2-2 with Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan and Iran played to a 2-2 tie in this group as well. The Iranians led 2-0 with goals from Rezeian and Taremi, but Urunov and Sergejev saved the hosts from defeat.
Tajikistan won a convincing victory over Pakistan in Group G with a score of 6-1. Branko Ivanković’s Oman was defeated by hosts Kuwait in Bishkek near Kyrgyzstan with a score of 1-0.
In Group B, North Korea secured their first win of the campaign by beating Myanmar 6-1 in Yangon. Australia also celebrated away to Palestine with a Harry Souttar goal in the 18th minute, leaving Bangladesh and Lebanon tied at 1-1 earlier in the group.