In the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Chinese men's football team once again faced a huge challenge, as they were placed in an extremely strong group of opponents, sharing Group C with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. This configuration, commonly known as the "Group of Death", highlights the difficult situation of the national football team in international football.
Historical data shows that China has struggled in past encounters with these teams, especially against soccer powerhouses such as Japan and Australia, often failing to do so. Although the Chinese team narrowly won the qualification with the indirect help of the Singapore team, relying on chance luck is not a long-term solution. The harsh reality of football is that only the dual guarantee of strength and strategy can ensure the survival of the team on the international stage.
Under the new rules, the top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth placed teams will also have the opportunity to compete for the remaining spots through play-offs. For the national football team, the goal seems simple, but in fact it is difficult. Bahrain, as the weaker team in the group, is optimistic about their fate, believing that they can beat the weaker China and Indonesia, which is undoubtedly a irony for the national football team.
When it comes to the Indonesian team, they are gradually increasing their competitiveness. In recent years, the Indonesian Football Association has vigorously promoted the naturalization policy of players, bringing in a number of players who have played in European professional leagues, and these naturalized players have brought a qualitative leap to the Indonesian team in terms of technology and experience. Although it was many years since the last showdown with Indonesia, Indonesia today is not an easy opponent to defeat back then.
In this context, the situation of the national football team can be described as uncertain. Coach Ivankovic's smile after the group announcement may not only be a reluctant acceptance of the result, but more of a self-deprecation. Although we have a good record against Indonesia in the past, in the world of football, past achievements are not indicative of future success.
The brutality and uncertainty of this reality makes every game so important. The national football team needs to find a breakthrough in a short period of time, change the situation that relies on luck, and truly innovate in terms of technology and tactics. Whether it is against a strong Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia, or Bahrain and Indonesia, which need to win, the national football team must be cautious and determined in every step.
What's more, with the entry of the Indonesian team with the effect of "Dutch Second Team" into the game, the competitive landscape of the entire group has changed. These naturalized players have not only strengthened the Indonesian team, but also brought more uncertainty and internationalization to Asian football. For the national football team, facing such an opponent is both a challenge and an opportunity.
In the coming months, the training ground of the Chinese men's football team will become an alchemy furnace for them to rebuild their confidence and tactics. Every training session, every tactical set-up should be precisely designed for every opponent in the group. Countermeasures must be based on the opponent's weaknesses and their own strengths, with precision in every possible play scenario.
Facing the skilled Japanese team and the physical Australian team, the national football team needs to pay more attention to defensive organization and quick counterattacks. This means that the coaching staff must adjust the line-up, optimise the fitness management of the players, ensure that the pressure is maintained during the game, and at the same time quickly switch tactical patterns to exploit the fatigue and defensive leaks of the opposition. For example, by increasing the speed and accuracy of the wide attack, more chances can be created for the Chinese team.
Against teams like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the national football team will need to show greater tactical flexibility and mental toughness. The Saudi team is known for its technical flow of play, while Bahrain relies more on the team's overall combat ability. The national team needs to counteract the strengths of these teams with well-designed set-pieces and midfield control, while at the same time, mental preparation cannot be overlooked, and the coaching staff will work psychological counselling to help the players build resilience in the face of difficulties and pressures.
Looking at the Indonesian team, although the national football team has a good record with it in history, the naturalization policy of the Indonesian team and the experience of their players in the European League are new variables. In the face of such an opponent, the national football team must not only be technically and tactically prepared, but also flexibly adjust in the game to be ready to respond to unexpected tactical changes that Indonesia may bring. In addition, the coaching staff should conduct an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and potential tactical layout of the naturalized players and formulate targeted countermeasures.
In addition to the formulation of countermeasures, the national football team also needs to establish a positive cultural atmosphere internally. This culture should encourage players to support each other and work together in the face of difficulties. Coaches and management need to motivate players to reach their potential in a variety of ways, whether it's in terms of technical improvement or mental conditioning during the game. The cultivation of this culture will be the key to the national football team's respect and success in future competitions.
Let's hope that the national football team can find its own way of survival in this test of the "Group of Death". Through the baptism of each game, gradually accumulate experience, improve strength, and finally show real competitiveness in the international arena. This is not only a test for the players and coaching team, but also a comprehensive review of the reform and development of the entire Chinese football system.