Australia strengthened their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over China on Tuesday.

They rode their luck at times after the break, but first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay were enough to secure the three points.

Australia almost made a lightning-quick start after China failed to deal with Brandon Borrello's searching cross, but Martin Boyle could not take advantage at the far post, volleying wide from close range.

Irvine found the breakthrough in the 16th minute, though – having seen his first attempt blocked, he regained the ball to round the defender before bending a lovely strike into the far post.

The visitors found a lot of joy down their right side, and with China again unable to clear their lines, Velupillay's shot from just inside the box bounced through Wang Delai's hands and over the line.

China were much improved in the second half though, with debutant Serginho causing problems. He cut inside to rifle a shot into the roof of the net, but Mat Ryan reflexively tipped it over.

Milos Degenek should have got Australia a third just after the hour. He lost his marker from a corner but could only guide it into the side netting at the far post.

China's pressure did not pay off, and they stay sixth in Group C, while Australia moved onto 13 points in second, seven points behind leaders Japan after they were held to a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.  

Data Debrief: Socceroos keep momentum going

This could prove to be a big win for Australia, and they are now undefeated in their last 25 World Cup qualifying matches away from home when they have led at half-time (W19 D5).

The Socceroos conceded just one shot on target in this match; the last time they conceded fewer in an AFC World Cup Qualifier away from home was in June 2024 against Bangladesh (0).

This is the second consecutive match Irvine has scored a goal for Australia (two v Indonesia on Thursday); he also scored in back-to-back games for the Socceroos in January 2024 (v India and v Syria).