On the afternoon of June 27, Beijing time, the draw ceremony for the top 18 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia was officially held, and the specific grouping situation is as follows:
Group A: Iran, Qatar, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea
Group B: Republic of Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait
Group C: Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Indonesia
The Chinese men's football team is in Group C, which can be said to belong to the middle and lower draws, and Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia are all teams that the Chinese men's football team wants to avoid, and they all met as a result. Against Bahrain and Indonesia, it is an acceptable result.
Here's a look at each opponent's situation and past record:
1. Pot 1 team: Japan
The Japanese team is currently the strongest team in the world, and it is also the team that scores the most goals and does not concede goals in the second phase of the game.
Difficulty: ★★★★★5 stars
The past record is: 13 wins, 9 draws and 15 losses for the Chinese men's football team
2. Pot 2 team Australia
Australian players are taller, more British-style, and the frontcourt pressure and pressing are more violent, which are the most feared by the Chinese men's football team, and Australian players play more in various leagues in Europe and have more experience in major competitions.
Difficulty: ★★★★4 and a half stars
Past record: China men's football team 5 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses
3. Third Gear Saudi Arabia
This is the last opponent that the Chinese men's football team wants to meet, don't forget that they beat Argentina in the last World Cup, and now Saudi Arabia is in the limelight, and Ronaldo says it is the fifth largest league in the world. Saudi Arabia is also a regular to represent Asia at the World Cup and has won the Asian Cup more than once.
Difficulty: ★★★★ Four and a half stars
Past record: Chinese men's football team 6 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses
4. Pot 4 team Bahrain
Bahrain is a good choice for the same team, Qatar and Oman have developed rapidly in recent years, and the second stage is the top of the group, Bahrain is slightly weaker in comparison.
Difficulty: ★★★ 3 stars
Past record: China men's football team won 3 and drew 4
5. Pot 6 team Indonesia
Indonesia is a medium choice, at least better than North Korea, Indonesia belongs to the Southeast Asian team, which was originally not strong, but in recent years, many strong players have been naturalized, and now the world ranking has surpassed the Chinese men's football team.
Difficulty: ★★ Two and a half stars
In addition, the national football team's field arrangement is also relatively dense and devilish, with three home and three away games in 6 games in 2024, two home and two away games in 5 games in 2025, especially in 2024, the time interval between 6 games is very short, so it can be said that there is little room for all teams to adjust. The Chinese men's football team is a group of death, the most important thing is to base themselves on themselves and play their best, even if they can't qualify, as long as they play with spirit, the fans will still be satisfied.