China's men's football team concluded their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bahrain in Chongqing, as 18-year-old forward Wang Yudong netted a stoppage-time penalty to secure the win. The match served as a bittersweet farewell to China's sixth consecutive unsuccessful World Cup qualification bid.
With both teams already eliminated from contention following losses to Indonesia and Saudi Arabia last week, the game offered a chance for redemption. A tense first half saw limited opportunities, but China dominated possession after halftime. Wang Yudong emerged as a standout performer, repeatedly testing Bahrain's defense with aggressive runs down the left flank.
The breakthrough came in the 93rd minute when Wang Ziming's cross struck a Bahraini defender's arm, prompting a VAR-reviewed penalty decision. Wang Yudong calmly converted the spot-kick, scoring his first international goal and securing China's third win in 10 qualifying matches.
China finished fifth in Group C with nine points, three points above last-place Bahrain. While the victory provides momentary relief, it underscores broader challenges for Chinese football, which last appeared in the World Cup in 2002. Analysts suggest Wang Yudong's emergence could signal hope for youth development programs ahead of the 2030 qualification cycle.
