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

CHONGQING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- 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.

"We are pleased that we can end the journey with victory, in front of so many home fans. All the players were fully concentrated to deliver good performance," China's head coach Branko Ivankovic said in the post-match conference.

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.

"I would like to thank the coaching team for their trust, giving me the chance to kick the last-minute penalty. I am happy to score my first goal in the team," Wang said. "This might be the last match for many veteran players in the national team, I want to win for them."

Ivankovic spoke highly of his young forward, saying that "Wang is a player who dares to shoulder responsibility. He is the future of Chinese football."

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.

Despite failing to lead the Chinese team into the World Cup, Ivankovic still has chance to keep his job. "Next month we will play East Asian Cup, and we will play friendly matches, I hope we can harness the opportunities to help players develop."

"We will select better players in the following days and improve our tactics. I believe we will become stronger and has brighter future," he added. ■