China faces reality check in World Cup qualifying
Source: news.source.tempo_ph
China's national football team, led by Branko Ivankovic, faces a crucial match against Australia in the World Cup qualifiers. A loss could jeopardize China's direct qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup, pushing them into a more challenging qualification route. The team has struggled in the Asian qualifiers, sitting last in their group after a recent loss to Saudi Arabia.
Key Points
China hosts Australia in a crucial World Cup qualifying match on March 25, 2025.
A loss to Australia could end China's hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
China's national team has struggled, with a recent 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia marking their fifth loss in seven games in the third round of Asian qualification.
China's ambitions to become an international football powerhouse by 2050 and one of Asia's best by 2030 are facing challenges due to the team's performance.
Only the top two teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup; China currently sits last in Group C with six points.
Injured players Jiang Guangtai and Gao Zhunyi, along with Lin Liangming, who was sent off, will miss the upcoming match against Australia.
Even if China loses, they still have a chance to qualify through a fourth round of Asian qualifiers due to the expanded World Cup format.
