In a dramatic turn of events during the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, China’s aspirations were extinguished following a 1–0 defeat to Indonesia on June 5, 2025. This loss marked China’s fourth consecutive defeat in Group C, effectively eliminating them from contention. The match’s sole goal came from Indonesia’s Ole Romeny, who converted a penalty just before halftime at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. This victory not only ended China’s hopes but also kept Indonesia’s dream of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1938 alive.
China’s head coach, Branko Ivankovic, took full responsibility for the team’s failure, acknowledging the challenges faced and emphasizing the need for future development. The defeat sparked widespread criticism from Chinese fans and media, with some calling for significant changes within the national football structure.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s triumph has propelled them into contention for the fourth round of qualifiers, marking a significant achievement for the team under the guidance of head coach Patrick Kluivert. The team’s blend of young talent and experienced leadership has reignited hope among supporters for a return to the World Cup stage.
Other Teams’ Progress:
- South Korea: Secured their 12th consecutive World Cup appearance with a 2–0 victory over Iraq on June 5, 2025. Despite a turbulent qualifying campaign and initial public backlash following coach Hong Myung-bo’s reappointment in July 2024, the team remained unbeaten in the third phase.
- Japan: Achieved qualification by defeating Bahrain 2–0 in the third round of Asian qualification. This marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
- Iran: Secured qualification on March 25, 2025, following a 2–2 draw against Uzbekistan in the third round of AFC qualification.
- Uzbekistan: Qualified for their first-ever World Cup after a 0–0 draw with the United Arab Emirates on June 5, 2025.
- Jordan: Also making their World Cup debut, Jordan secured qualification with a 3–0 win over Oman on June 5, 2025.
The final round of group matches, scheduled for June 10, 2025, will determine the remaining teams advancing to the next stages of qualification. For powerhouses like South Korea and Japan, it’s about refining systems and building squad depth. For emerging challengers like Indonesia, it’s a fight for survival and history.
As the qualifiers progress, the competition intensifies, with teams across Asia vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.