Hong Kong delivered a dominant 4-0 victory over Bhutan in their FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) first-round match on October 12, 2023. The comprehensive win at Hong Kong Stadium gave the home side a massive advantage ahead of the second leg. Hong Kong's attack was in ruthless form, scoring four unanswered goals to put one foot in the next round. The result significantly boosted their goal difference, a factor that could prove crucial. For Bhutan, the heavy defeat was a setback, leaving them with a monumental task to overturn the deficit in the return match. The performance marked a strong start to Hong Kong's qualifying campaign.