China coach Branko Ivankovic is still optimistic that his team can enter the top four of the final standings of group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The match against the Indonesian national team is targeted to be a moment of revival.
China has not won points because it has always lost in the first three matches. However, their distance to the second-ranked team, Australia, is currently only four points.
In addition to Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also have a collection of four points. Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team currently has three points. The difference is still considered realistic for China to pursue.
In terms of calculations, the second stage is still possible to be pursued by China. However, Ivankovic chose to be realistic, namely setting a minimum target of the top four positions in order to qualify for the fourth round.
“In the next seven matches, our goal is to be in the top four, qualify for the next round in this competition, and keep hope of qualifying for the World Cup,” Ivankovic said.
In the 2026 World Cup Qualification rules for the Asian zone, the top two teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, the third- and fourth-place teams will continue their struggle to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
China performed poorly in the first three matches of the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. They conceded 12 goals and were only able to score two goals.
In the first match, China lost with a landslide score of 0-7. After that, China lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia and 1-3 to Australia. In the match against Saudi Arabia and Australia, China always scored first.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team has three points in hand. The Garuda squad has always drawn in the three matches that have been played.
In Ivankovic’s view, the Indonesian national team with the presence of naturalized players makes the Garuda Squad have the characteristics of a European Team.
