Hangzhou, March 26 -- Iran secured a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two qualifiers still to play in hands.
Meanwhile, China suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Australia, marking its third consecutive loss and ending its hopes of automatic qualification.
In Hangzhou, China fell to Australia in front of a record crowd of 70,588 at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
In the 16th minute, midfielder Jackson Irvine capitalized on a defensive slip by Huang Zhengyu, curling the ball into the net to give Australia an early lead.
China's struggles continued in the 29th minute when goalkeeper Wang Dalei mishandled a shot from Nishan Velupillay, allowing Australia to double its lead.
In the second half, Chin...