China's Vulnerable World Cup Dreams Put to the Test in Rematch Against Japan

After bouncing back from three consecutive losses at the beginning of the third phase of Asia's preliminaries, victories against Indonesia and Bahrain have reignited China's hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup since their debut in the 2002 Finals.

But the strength of China’s recovery will be challenged when Hajime Moriyasu’s runaway Group C leaders visit Xiamen threatening to dredge up painful memories of that defeat in Saitama Stadium.

“We started the opening round with a big loss in Japan, and I was glad to see my players overcome the challenges and improve their performances match by match. Now we are level with Australia, Saudi Arabia with six points, and I am satisfied with the efficiency,” said China coach Branko Ivankovic.

“There is no need to mention that Japan is a world-class team. I believe our players will be ready at home, and they will fight with no fear. If we can fight on the pitch, anything could be possible.”

The Chinese, however, will be without the match-winner against Zhang Yuning as well as fullback Li Lei through injury.

Japan lead the chase for one of the group’s two automatic berths at the 2026 Finals as the schedule crosses the halfway point, Moriyasu’s team topping the group by seven points from a three-team chasing pack.

Said Moriyasu: “In the first match, we enjoyed the home-field advantage and won the match by a big margin. However, it doesn’t mean that we can win easily tomorrow.

“It will be a tough away game for us. China have won two consecutive matches, and their players are in good form.”

Australia, who travel to Bahrain, fill second place ahead of Saudi Arabia and China on goal difference, with the Bahrainis and Indonesia fifth and sixth.

The Socceroos will be without winger Nishan Velupillay, who has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury against Saudi Arabia last week.

Velupillay, who scored on his international debut against China in October, was injured soon after being substituted on at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in the 0-0 draw against the Saudis.

Eight Asian nations are guaranteed to qualify for the World Cup, with the first two finishers in the three groups advancing, while the third and fourth-place teams advance to another round.