China’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup remain very much alive despite a 3-1 home defeat to Japan, while Saudi Arabia suffered a huge blow with a shock 2-0 defeat to Indonesia.

Victory in Xiamen means Japan are within touching distance of an eighth straight World Cup appearance, as they sit nine points clear of second-place Australia, who drew 2-2 with Bahrain, in their Asian qualifying group.

Home fans grew hopeful when Lin Liangming scored early in the second half but Ogawa headed home his second soon after.

The Samurai Blue have 16 points from six games, with four to go in Group C while China are the only other team to have won more than once and yet sit bottom.

Australia, meanwhile, are second with seven points – and point clear of the chasing pack, all level on six points – after Kusini Yengi scored in the 96th minute to earn a dramatic draw for the Socceroos in Bahrain.