World Cup hopes on the line for China in Jakarta
World Cup hopes on the line for China in Jakarta
China's head coach Branko Ivankovic at a training session ahead of his side's clash with Indonesia. Photo: AFP
Asian qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup are set to resume on Thursday with China facing Indonesia in a pivotal away match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
According to tournament rules, only the top two in each six-team group advance directly to the World Cup – while the third and fourth-placed teams enter the playoffs.
With two matches remaining, Indonesia sits fourth in Group C with nine points while China is level with Bahrain at the bottom on six points.
Indonesia hold a three-point lead over China and a seven-goal edge in goal difference.
A home win would all but guarantee Indonesia a top-four finish.
For China, there is only one way to keep their World Cup hopes alive – win on Indonesian soil.
So far, only Japan has managed a win in Jakarta during this qualifying campaign.
Indonesia, fueled by passionate home support from around 80,000 fans, has turned its capital into a fortress – beating Saudi Arabia 2-0, edging Bahrain 1-0 and holding Australia to a 0-0 draw.
On a humid Jakarta night in front of a raucous crowd – and an energetic Indonesian side bolstered by naturalised talent – the pressure awaiting China is immense.
"The first step to reaching the playoffs is winning this match. This demands that we play attacking football, with every player giving their all in running and effort," said head coach Branko Ivankovic, who expressed confidence that his players could transform pressure into motivation.
Ivankovic will have to contend with key absences – striker Wu Lei is sidelined with injury, while attacking midfielders Lin Liangming and Xie Wenneng are suspended.
As a result, Zhang Yuning and Wei Shihao will bear much of the attacking burden.
Fans will be eager to see 18-year-old Wang Yudong, who has impressed in the Chinese Super League, potentially earn his first national team start.
His energy and pace could inject much-needed dynamism.
The midfield performances of naturalised players Serginho and Yang Mingyang will also be vital.
"This is a battle for survival," Zhang emphasised.
"Victory is the only option – there's no room for retreat."
He added that, as the away side, China must turn pressure into momentum and showcase the results of training and unity as a team.
"We focused on key techniques like offense, defence and set-pieces," the midfielder said.
"We've performed well, but in matches, we must be able to adapt flexibly to on-the-spot situations."
Though the task is daunting, it is not beyond reach.
In their previous Group C meeting with Indonesia, China – then mired in a three-match losing streak – came out aggressively, scoring twice in the first half before holding on for a 2-1 win. (Xinhua)
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