Chinese Men's National Football Team Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifier in Jakarta

The Chinese men's national football team has landed in Jakarta, Indonesia, in anticipation of their critical showdown against Indonesia in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. They are set to conduct their inaugural training session on Tuesday ahead of the match on Thursday, which is essential for determining their prospects to advance further in the tournament. Following this match, China will also face Bahrain, and both outcomes will play a significant role in their quest for qualification.

The team arrived in Jakarta on Monday night, ready to commence preparations for these pivotal encounters. Head coach Branko Ivankovic expressed satisfaction with the training sessions conducted in Shanghai, noting that the players are in peak condition. He maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing their commitment to pursuing victory regardless of their opponents. Prior to departing, the team announced a roster of 25 players, however, they will be without the services of notable players Wu Lei and Liu Ruofan due to injury concerns.

The first training session in Jakarta is planned for 7 PM on Thursday, which will be the team's only outdoor practice apart from the necessary familiarization at the match venue. During their pre-match training, the focus will be on refining formations and ensuring player fitness, albeit at a reduced intensity. Nine days of rigorous training in Shanghai served as a foundation, with key positions and the lineup nearly finalized.

Forward Zhang Yuning expressed confidence in their preparations, highlighting their focus on essential skills such as offense, defense, and set pieces. He acknowledged the need for adaptability during games. With Wu Lei unable to participate, analysts believe Zhang Yuning will likely be at the forefront of the attack strategy. Additionally, emerging player Wang Yudong is anticipated to inject fresh energy into the game, as he has been instructed to support the other striker in their tactics.

Football analyst Song Chengliang suggested that the team may employ a 4-4-2 diamond formation against Indonesia, with Zhang Yuning and Wang Yudong expected to play pivotal roles in the attack. The squad has experimented with various attacking lineups during training to ensure readiness for different match situations. Analyst Wang Dazhao noted that Ivankovic’s approach seems to prioritize a solid defense combined with a mix of experienced and younger players, though he cautioned not to expect drastic strategies in the upcoming match.

As the qualifying stage nears its conclusion, both China and Bahrain are tied at six points, while Indonesia holds a three-point lead. China must secure wins in both matches to have any chance of progressing to the World Cup playoffs. A win against Indonesia is critical to maintain their hope, as any other outcome could diminish their chances significantly. Wang Dazhao encouraged the team to remain optimistic without setting expectations too high.