China’s national football team, led by head coach Branko Ivankovic, faces a high-stakes match on Tuesday in Hangzhou against Australia, a game that could determine whether the country stays in contention for a direct berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A loss would all but seal China’s fate, pushing it into a more difficult path through the fourth round of Asian qualifying.
Key Highlights:
A Decade of Unfulfilled Football Goals
This match comes at a time when China’s football ambitions—once backed by massive investments and bold visions—are under serious scrutiny. Ten years ago, China’s national soccer federation announced a roadmap to become a global football powerhouse by 2050 and one of Asia’s top teams by 2030. During the peak of the Chinese Super League (CSL), clubs spent hundreds of millions of dollars recruiting international stars.
But those days are long gone. Financial troubles plagued clubs, foreign stars left, and the league declined. The national team has similarly struggled, with only one World Cup appearance in 2002, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.
Current Standing in Group C
China’s recent 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia marked its fifth defeat in seven third-round qualifiers, leaving the team at the bottom of Group C. As of now:
- Japan has secured direct qualification with 19 points
- Australia sits second
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and China all have 6 points
With just two matchdays remaining in June, Tuesday’s clash is vital for China to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Ivankovic Remains Focused Despite Setbacks
Coach Branko Ivankovic, speaking after the loss to Saudi Arabia, said:
“We played well against Saudi Arabia but now we have to focus on the next game. We will assess who is fit and then give our all to win.”
He will be without key players Jiang Guangtai, Gao Zhunyi, and Lin Liangming, who is suspended.
Despite the urgency, Asia’s expanded allocation of eight guaranteed World Cup slots for the 48-team tournament means that even if China fails to qualify directly, it can still progress through later playoff rounds.
Australia’s Growing Confidence
Australia, riding high from a 5-1 victory over Indonesia, sees the China match as a critical step.
Coach Tony Popovic said,
“It’s full focus on China. They haven’t changed too much in how they’ve been playing. They sit in their block. They’re very dangerous on the break. We just have to be prepared.”
Elsewhere in Asia: Tight Race for Spots
- Patrick Kluivert, coaching Indonesia, is already under pressure after his debut ended in a heavy loss. He faces a must-win against Bahrain in Jakarta.
- Iran, with 19 points, can secure a seventh World Cup appearance with just a draw against Uzbekistan. A win would put them through, but Uzbekistan also has a shot at a historic first World Cup.
- South Korea, after a frustrating draw against Oman, needs a result against Jordan to keep its automatic qualification hopes strong. Iraq, Palestine, and Kuwait are all still in contention in Group B.
As China hosts Australia in a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier, the match will serve not only as a test of current form but also as a reflection of how far the country remains from its football aspirations. While a loss won’t mathematically eliminate China, it will push the team into a much harder path—and underscore the challenges of turning vision into reality.
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