China scores sole goal in penalty against Bahrain to end World Cup qualifying campaign

CHONGQING -- 18-year-old young forward Wang Yudong scored a late penalty for China as the home team beat Bahrain 1-0 here on Tuesday to finish its FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying journey.

After losing to Indonesia and Saudi Arabia respectively last Thursday , China and Bahrain had been eliminated from the group and failed to qualify for next phase of Asian qualifier playoff tournament.

In the last round "match of honor", both teams had few chances to score in the first half.

China controlled the second half as Wang frequently penetrated through the left wing to create goalscoring opportunities, but his multiple shots were denied by Bahrain goalkeeper.

In the 93rd minute, the teenager finally bagged his first international goal as he converted the late penalty with composure, after Wang Ziming's cross forced a handball foul in Bahrain's penalty area.

China had nine points from three wins and seven losses in the World Cup qualifiers, ranking fifth in the Group C, three points ahead of Bahrain.

The group leader Japan has already secured the berth into next year's World Cup, while Saudi Arabia and Australia will battle for another berth in a direct head-to-head.