Son scores 50th Korea goal in World Cup win over Kuwait

Son Heung-min has scored his 50th international goal as South Korea won 3-1 in Kuwait to take a big step towards an 11th successive World Cup appearance.

The Tottenham forward converted a penalty to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute and help South Korea earn a fourth successive win in Group B of Asia's World Cup qualifiers on Thursday to move five points clear at the top with five games to go.

Oh Se-hun headed in South Korea's opener in the 10th minute and Son, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, extended the advantage after being fouled in the area.

Mohammed Daham pulled a goal back with a spectacular strike with 30 minutes remaining but Bae Jun-ho sealed the win for the visitors.

"Son is such an important part of our team," South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said. "He just came back after being hobbled by injury."

Jordan and Iraq stayed in second and third place on eight points after drawing 0-0 in Basra, while Oman are now two points behind after defeating the Palestinian team 1-0.

In Group A, Iran beat North Korea 3-2 in Laos to move onto 13 points, three clear of Uzbekistan who lost 3-2 at Qatar. The 2022 World Cup hosts stayed fourth with seven points, level with the UAE who defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0.

In group C, after Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Melbourne, things have got even tighter in the battle for qualification with China winning 1-0 in Bahrain thanks to an injury-time goal from Zhang Yuning.

It means Australia, Saudi Arabia and China all have six points, and Bahrain five. Leaders Japan will move seven points clear if they defeat Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.

Only the top two of six in each group will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, with the third-placed and fourth-placed finishers advance to the next stage of qualification.