Chinese fans hit by projectiles from Thailand supporters as security step in after World Cup qualifier clash
- Tempers flare in the stands as visitors leave Bangkok with 2-1 victory from 2026 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifier on Thursday
- China come from behind with goals from Wu Lei and substitute Wang Shangyuan, before ugly scenes at final whistle
China’s men’s national football team got their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign off to a fine start with a 2-1 away victory against Thailand on Thursday night.
But there were unsavoury scenes at the final whistle at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, where China came from behind to take all three points in their group C encounter, as the second phase of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals got under way.
Sarach Yooyen had opened the scoring for the world No 112-ranked hosts from long range after 23 minutes, but Wu Lei equalised with a tap-in just six minutes later.
Substitute Wang Shangyuan then headed home the winner for Aleksandar Jankovic’s visitors in the 74th minute.
But as China’s players finished their farewells to the travelling fans and left the pitch, video footage showed home supporters throwing rubbish and unfinished drinks bottles into the away section while also trying to provoke them with physical gestures.
Some Thai fans even appeared to try to climb the guardrail between the sections as the Chinese supporters celebrated their side’s win.
Security officials intervened to try and calm them down, while several Chinese fans started throwing some of the projectiles back into the Thai section.
Son scores screamer, plays through injury as South Korea thrash Singapore
Sitll, it was a hugely positive night for the world No 79 China side, who next face a daunting home match against South Korea on Tuesday at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre.
“We are satisfied with the three points,” Serbian coach Jankovic said. “The first match against the third-tier team is not easy.
“Being one goal down from their first chance is not easy for us, but we showed our strength. That is important to me, we showed our character.
“Of course we could not be totally satisfied, we still had ups and downs throughout the game, we need to solve this. In general, it is an encouraging sign for us.”
“We have prepared this game for a long time under the coach, we are delighted to claim the victory,” match-winner Wang added.
“We aim to move into the World Cup, but we should take it step by step. After the celebrations, we will focus on the South Korea game.”
Tuesday’s match is likely to be a tougher affair, with South Korea having thrashed Singapore 5-0 on Thursday night.
Chinese fans seemed to know as much, but still expressed their delight with the victory on social media.
“Next, we have to face the powerful South Korean team,” one user said on Weibo, the Twitter-like platform. “The defence must make fewer mistakes, especially unnecessary yellow cards. The midfield must be prepared to be pressed more fiercely.”
“The result [against Thailand] is more important than anything else,” another wrote. “Let’s go to Shenzhen next week to cheer for the national football team.”
An expanded 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The top two teams from each of the nine Asian Football Confederation groups will progress to a third stage of qualifying, with a record eight direct spots and one intercontinental play-off place available.
