Chinese football player Wang Shangyuan (front) celebrates scoring their second goal against Thailand in their World Cup qualifying match on November 16, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. After a come-from-behind 2-1 victory, Team China will face South Korea on home turf on November 21. The long road to the 2026 World Cup began in earnest in Asia with 36 teams in action on Thursday. The top two from each group go through to the final qualifying round in Asia. Photo: VCG