The possibility of Chinese football failing to qualify for the World Cup for the sixth consecutive time has increased. This is because, on 25th, it suffered a 0-2 defeat to Australia in the 8th match of Group C in the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup Asian region third qualifiers held in Hangzhou, China. Subsequently, it is making unfounded claims. What is going on?

Chinese media 'Sohu.com' reported on 27th (Korea time) that "it is a major reversal. Australia violated the regulations. If China succeeds in appealing to FIFA, it could rise from last place in the group to 4th place with a 3-0 forfeit victory."

After the loss to Australia, China, which has fallen into a three-game losing streak in the third qualifiers, remains at the bottom of the group with 2 wins, 6 losses, and 6 points (goal difference -13). While it has the same points as Bahrain (goal difference -8), it is significantly behind in goal difference.

China provided a chance for scoring by veteran goalkeeper Wang Dalei, who made a mistake by letting the rolling ball slip through his legs, ultimately tasting defeat.

As a result, China has failed to secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, which is granted to the top two teams in the group. Even if it wins all remaining two matches, it cannot rise to 2nd place.

China does not have completely no hope for qualification. With the allocation of 8.5 World Cup tickets to the Asian region being expanded from this tournament, if China finishes 4th in the third qualifiers, it could aim for qualification through the fourth qualifiers.

If China wins all its remaining matches against Indonesia and Bahrain and considers the results of competing nations, it may qualify for the fourth round by finishing in the top four of the group. The away match against Indonesia is expected to be a major hurdle for China.

Even while aiming for victories in the remaining two matches, allegations have emerged in China that "Australia fielded an ineligible player."

'Sohu.com' reported that "there is a possibility that Australia violated player registration regulations," and according to Chinese media 'Xiaoniu Sports', the player in question is 1995-born defender Cameron Burgess, who is affiliated with Ipswich Town. Some Chinese media claim that Burgess's history of playing for the Scottish age-representative team could be a problem for him playing as a Chinese player this time.

However, these claims seem rather unreasonable. Burgess has no experience with the Scottish senior national team. His youth national team experience does not affect changes of nationality. He has already represented Australia in 11 A-matches since September 2023 and also participated in the Asian Cup. Given that FIFA has not raised issues until now, the likelihood of a 'forfeit victory' even if China appeals this time is low.

Nevertheless, there are voices among Chinese football fans calling for a "immediate appeal to FIFA." 'Sohu.com' reported that "fans hope the China Football Association gathers information and submits an official appeal," referencing past instances where Equatorial Guinea had faced penalties for regulatory violations.

There are also Chinese fans who are facing reality. Reactions coexist such as, "This is the last chance for the fourth qualifiers," "We should be grateful that there are still ways (to qualify)," "Even if a forfeit victory is acknowledged, qualification will be difficult," "They always make excuses after losing," and "Do not cause a scene."

[OSEN]