China faces reality check in World Cup qualifying
Source: news.source.mb
China's national football team faces a crucial match against Australia in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. A loss could end their hopes of direct qualification, pushing them into a more challenging fourth round. The team's performance reflects a broader struggle to meet the ambitious goals set by the Chinese Super League and the national soccer federation a decade ago.
Key Points
China hosts Australia in a critical World Cup qualifier match on March 25, 2025.
A loss to Australia would force China into the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the World Cup.
China's football ambitions from a decade ago, aiming to become an international powerhouse by 2050 and one of Asia's best by 2030, are under scrutiny.
China has struggled in the third round of Asian qualification, sitting last in Group C after a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia.
Only the top two teams in each of the three Asian qualifying groups will qualify directly for the World Cup.
Japan has already secured a direct qualification spot, while Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Indonesia, and China are still competing for the remaining spots.
China's coach, Branko Ivankovic, will be without several key players for the match against Australia.
China's only World Cup appearance was in 2002, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Even if China loses to Australia, they have a chance to qualify through additional stages due to the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup.
Iran and Uzbekistan are also close to securing their World Cup spots, depending on upcoming match results.
