Photo: VCG

A 1-0 loss to Indonesia has extinguished the Chinese national football team's 2026 World Cup hopes, confirming their sixth consecutive World Cup absence since 2002. 

With only six points and a -14 goal difference after nine games, China cannot make it into the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers with only one game remaining. 

It is Ole Romeny of Indonesia who scored the opener from a penalty in the 45th minute in the first half. In response, the Chinese team, aiming for a win, strengthened its offense in the second half. 

Promising striker Wang Yudong, who is aged 18 but also the domestic top scorer in the Chinese Super League, made a sensational long shot at the beginning of the second half. However, the momentum was denied by Indonesian keeper Emil Audero.

Star winger Wei Shihao also came off from bench in the 62nd minute, giving China's lineup four forwards. But the quartet failed to score any in the second half.

Indonesia's dominance exposed the Chinese national team's defensive vulnerabilities. The defeat also raised questions on some social media accounts about coach Branko Ivankovic's future, with calls for a tactical overhaul mounting.

The Chinese national team will host Bahrain in Southwest China's Chongqing on June 10, with the encounter now serving as a litmus test for the team's rebuilding phase. 

Regardless of the outcome, the Chinese national team's World Cup Asian qualifiers campaign highlights systemic issues in youth development and the tactical adaptability of the team.