2026 WCQ: PALESTINE MAKE HISTORY, REACH FINAL ROUND FOR FIRST TIME

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Palestine advanced to the final round of World Cup qualification for the first time ever Thursday with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon.

Palestine, who played in Qatar because of security concerns in Gaza, are second in their group and five points clear of Lebanon with a single game left. The top two teams of each of the nine groups progress to the final qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

Elsewhere, Son Heung-Min scored twice as South Korea stayed on course for an 11th successive World Cup appearance by routing Singapore 7-0 to advance to the final round while China still have work to do after a 1-1 draw with Thailand.

South Korea stayed top of Group C with 13 points from five games, with China second on eight points. Thailand are three points behind in third with one round to go.

China have to play South Korea in their last game while Thailand host Singapore in Bangkok and could still clinch second place with a win if China loses.

Australia, Japan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates had already qualified and all four maintained their perfect records.

Saudi Arabia advanced with a 3-0 victory in Pakistan as did Oman after a win over Taiwan.

India and Afghanistan are in contention for second place in Group A after goalless draws with Kuwait and Qatar respectively left the two teams level on five points.

Elsewhere, Vietnam and North Korea stayed in contention to advance to the next round with victories over Philippines and Syria, respectively.