China’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were officially dashed last night after a 0-1 defeat to Indonesia in the AFC third-round qualifiers (Asia’s Final 18 stage). The loss confirmed China’s early exit from the competition with one round still to play, as they can no longer finish in the top four of Group C.
Do-or-Die Ends in Disappointment
Heading into this crucial match, the standings were tight: Indonesia had 9 points, while both China and Bahrain were stuck on 6 points. With an inferior goal difference and only one spot realistically up for grabs, China needed nothing short of a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. A draw would have left them clinging to slim mathematical chances; a loss would mean immediate elimination.
Unfortunately for China, the nightmare scenario came true.
In the 40th minute, Indonesian forward Cambuaya went down in the box after a collision with Chinese defender Yang Zexiang. After consulting VAR, the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts. Team captain Thom Haye stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, giving Indonesia a crucial 1-0 lead.
That goal turned out to be the match-winner, as China failed to mount any meaningful response in the remaining time.
China Struggles to Attack, Four Straight Defeats
Despite needing a goal desperately, China’s attack remained toothless. The team struggled to create clear-cut chances, lacked creativity in the final third, and looked disconnected throughout the match. Indonesia, on the other hand, held firm and managed the game effectively to secure all three points.
This latest setback marks China’s fourth straight defeat in the qualifiers, following earlier losses to Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. With a record of two wins and seven losses, China finishes with just 6 points, a bitterly disappointing return for a nation that once dreamed of becoming a regular fixture at football’s biggest stage.
Indonesia Make History, Bahrain Also Crash Out
The result saw Indonesia reach 12 points and clinch third place in the group, securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, a historic milestone for the team, often nicknamed the “Netherlands B team” due to its influx of Dutch-born talent.
Elsewhere, Bahrain lost 0-2 to Saudi Arabia, meaning they too remain stuck at 6 points and are now out of contention.
Group leaders Japan have already qualified for the World Cup. At the same time, Australia are virtually assured of a place as well, sitting three points above Saudi Arabia with a superior goal difference heading into the final round.
Another Heartbreak for Chinese Football
China’s exit underscores the deep-rooted issues within the country’s football system, including inconsistent management, underwhelming tactics, and a lack of a talent pipeline. While there were brief moments of hope with back-to-back wins earlier in the campaign, the team ultimately fell short when it mattered most.
As the nation watches another World Cup from the sidelines, the question now shifts from “What went wrong?” to “What comes next?”
For Chinese football to move forward, change is no longer optional; it’s essential.
