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Lars Hamer

China’s 2026 Fifa World Cup exploits could be as good as over if they fail to beat Thailand in a crucial “six-pointer” qualifier on Thursday.
However, should China prevail at Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre, they would progress to the third qualification round before their final game against South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium next Tuesday.
The men’s national side currently sit second in Group C in the Asian section of World Cup qualification with seven points, three points behind leaders South Korea. Thailand are third with four points.
China are widely expected to lose to South Korea, who are undefeated in Group C, whereas Thailand play Singapore, ranked 155 in the world, in their final group fixture.
Singapore have beaten Thailand only once in their past 10 meetings, with one game ending in a draw.

Victory over Thailand would give China, managed by Croatian Branko Ivankovic, a six-point cushion and some much-needed breathing space.
But China are going into Thursday’s game with a threadbare squad.
Striker Wu Lei, who has scored five goals in four Group C games, and holding midfielder Li Yuanyi will both miss the game through suspension.
Forward Zhang Yuning and winger Lin Liangming are also set to miss out through injury.
“We’ll do our best with whatever we have, and our only goal is to secure a win,” Ivankovic said on Monday.
“The difficulties we face with injuries and suspensions cannot be used as an excuse. We must make the most of the players we have available.
“Thailand is a team with a distinctive style. We have analysed their recent matches, against South Korea and us. We will play with a more aggressive, offensive approach.”
In recent games, Ivankovic has called on the services of Alan, Fernandinho and Elkeson, three naturalised Brazilian players who had fallen out of favour during former manager Li Tie’s failed 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The trio also did not feature in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, where China failed to score a single goal.
Striker Wei Shihao’s form will also be a boost to the squad.

The 29-year-old, who used to play for Boavista in Portugal’s top division, has bagged four goals in his past three games for Chinese Super League club Chengdu Rongcheng.
China beat Thailand 2-1 in Bangkok in the first fixture in Group C in November before losing 3-0 at home to South Korea, with Son Heung-min scoring a brace.
In Ivankovic’s first game in charge, the national side then descended into chaos and threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 away to Singapore.
Captain Zhang Linpeng announced that he was quitting international football after the “humiliating” result, only to perform a U-turn before the return fixture four days later. China won 4-1.


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Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China vow ‘aggressive, offensive’ approach in crucial World Cup qualifier against Thailand

China head coach Branko Ivankovic (second from left) oversees a training session in preparation for the World Cup Asian zone qualifier against Thailand on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

China striker Wei Shihao (right) has been in prolific form for his club, Chengdu Rongcheng. Photo: Reuters

Singapore scores against China during their 2-2 draw, Ivankovic’s first game as national coach. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong defender Gerbig has ‘rough start’ to Chinese Super League career, ready for World Cup qualifier clash with Iran

Oliver Gerbig’s impressive showings at January’s AFC Asian Cup finals earned him a move to Henan FC. Photo: Reuters

The 25-year-old quickly became a key Hong Kong figure following his debut in November 2023. Photo: Elson Li

Gerbig was ‘very shocked’ to discover Jorn Andersen had quit as Hong Kong head coach. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong’s Stefan Pereira ‘not afraid’ of risking his future in World Cup qualifiers

Stefan Pereira (centre) celebrates after scoring for Southern, who released him at the end of the season. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Stefan Pereira (second left) was part of Hong Kong’s squad at January’s AFC Asian Cup finals. Photo: AP

 Stefan Pereira said he had mixed feelings over the exit of former head coach Jorn Andersen. Photo: Dickson Lee

China’s women beaten by Australia in front of more than 75,000 fans as Matildas prepare to head off to Paris Olympic Games

China were left disappointed after they went down 2-0 in their friendly with Australia. Photo: AFP

Son Heung-min and co to play under ‘headbutt’ coach while South Korea search for Jurgen Klinsmann’s replacement

Captain Son Heung-min and his South Korea teammates are to have their second caretaker boss in a matter of months. Photo: AP

Jurgen Klinsmann was dismissed by South Korea after this year’s Asian Cup finals in Qatar. Photo: AFP

South Korea’s previous interim boss was their under-23 coach Hwang Sun-hong. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Branko Ivankovic’s men three points ahead of Thailand, but face daunting trip to South Korea in last match while Thais play lowly Singapore


Branko Ivankovic’s team, missing four key men, have a three-point lead over Thailand, but will face leaders South Korea in final match, while the Thais will be expected to beat Singapore.
