Chinese national football team head coach Branko Ivankovic (left)  Photo: Cui Meng/GT

The Chinese men's national football team has arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is scheduled for its first training session on Tuesday to prepare for the do-or-die match against Indonesia in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The match is scheduled to be held on Thursday, and along with the following fixture against Bahrain, will determine whether China can keep its hopes of advancing to the World Cup alive.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese team landed in Jakarta on Monday evening to begin preparations for both matches. Head coach Branko Ivankovic said that the team's preparation in Shanghai had gone very smoothly and that the players are in excellent shape. 

"I have always stayed optimistic," he remarked. 

"No matter whether we're playing against Indonesia or any other team, we will actively strive for victory."

Before the departure, the team announced a 25-player squad for the coming matches. Due to injuries, both renowned player Wu Lei and Liu Ruofan were left out. 

According to the Beijing Youth Daily, the team's first training session is scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday. This will also be the team's only outdoor training session in Jakarta aside from the mandatory pre-match familiarization session at the stadium. 

Over the two pre-match training sessions, the focus will be on organizing formations and maintaining fitness, while intensity will be notably reduced. The nine days of training in Shanghai had already provided a thorough rehearsal for the away match against Indonesia, with key positions and the starting lineup largely finalized. The team is now fully prepared to "unsheathe their swords," as reported by the Beijing Youth Daily.

China's forward Zhang ­Yuning expressed confidence on Sunday, saying, "We focused on key techniques like offense, defense, and ­set-pieces. We've performed well, but in matches, we must be able to adapt flexibly to on-the-spot situations."

Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator, pointed out that with Wu Lei absent, Zhang Yuning will likely become the focal point of China's attack strategy. The inclusion of young player Wang Yudong may also bring some positive energy and changes to the game. During the public training session in Shanghai, Wang Yudong told reporters that coach Ivankovic had instructed him to provide more support for the other striker.

Football commentator Song Chengliang said that based on Wang Yudong's comments, the team might deploy a 4-4-2 diamond formation in the away match against Indonesia. Zhang Yuning is expected to be the other striker, with Wang Yudong likely positioned centrally, playing a shadow striker role. According to Titan Sports newspaper, the team has already tested four different attack lineups during training to practice taking the initiative.

"At present, Ivankovic's coaching style seems to emphasize defense first and integrating experienced players with younger ones," Wang Dazhao added. 

"We probably shouldn't expect too many bold changes in the match against Indonesia, but that doesn't mean there won't be opportunities."

With just two matches left in the qualifying stage, China and Bahrain are currently tied at six points and trailing Indonesia by three points for fourth place. To advance to the World Cup playoffs, China must aim for back-to-back wins. A victory against Indonesia is essential to keep qualification hopes alive going into the final match against Bahrain. A draw or loss would all but dash China's chances.

"Overall, we shouldn't set overly high expectations, but we should still maintain a positive mind-set," Wang said.