JAKARTA – The competition in Group C of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers remains tight.
Japan, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with a perfect record, has already secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup. The remaining five teams are set to battle for one automatic qualification slot and two spots in the fourth round.
As it stands, Australia holds second place, while Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are in third and fourth positions, respectively.
With two matches remaining in June, each team still has a chance to shape their destiny.
Chinese media outlet Sohu recently published an analysis of the national team’s chances of advancing to the next round. China currently sits in sixth place with 6 points.
Their ideal scenario would involve defeating Indonesia and earning at least a draw against Bahrain.
However, that will be a tough mission—particularly because the match against Indonesia will be played in Jakarta, where the Garuda squad is expected to receive strong home support.
“If the national team can defeat Indonesia in the next round, they will reach 9 points,” Sohu wrote.
“A draw against Bahrain in their final match would bring their total to 10 points.”
“Indonesia, meanwhile, would remain at 9 points if they lose to China.”
“They are then scheduled to play away against a strong Japanese side, where they may lose, keeping them stuck at 9 points.”
Sohu also outlined the ideal scenario for Bahrain, which would involve losing to Saudi Arabia—even though they play at home. This would favor China’s chances of climbing out of the bottom of the table.
“It will be extremely difficult for Bahrain to beat Saudi Arabia, even at home.”
“And if they fail to win against China in their final group game, their maximum potential would be just 8 points,” the article continued.
In this best-case scenario, China could leap to third place with 4 additional points. That would secure them a spot in the fourth round and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Still, this scenario remains highly challenging. Indonesia has been in good form and will benefit from massive support in Jakarta.
“Therefore, despite the obstacles, as long as the national team can collect 10 points, they can overtake Indonesia and Bahrain to claim fourth place and advance to the next round.”
“No matter how difficult the road is, the national team must give everything—because if they don’t, they will once again miss out on the World Cup.”
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