In the 2026 World Preliminary Championships, the top 18 of the Asian region will be drawn, and the national football team will be in Group C with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Indonesia and other teams.
Among them, Japan is the leader of Asia, Australia and Saudi Arabia are also in the first echelon of Asia, and the three teams are all World Cup regulars, Bahrain is the most feared West Asian typical style team of the national football team, and Indonesia is known as the "Dutch three".
After the draw results of the round of 18 were released, the C group was recognized as the group of death, and the prospects of the national football team were even more depressed, and some experts even shouted the frustrating slogan of "score a goal, get a point, and win a game". As a staunch supporter of the national football team, I can't help but ask: Is the national football team really not a chance at all?
After careful thinking and analysis, my final conclusion is that the national football team still has a chance, at least strive for the top four in the group, and then play the play-offs.
So the question is, how will the national football team play in the top 18 of the Asian region of the World Preliminary Championship to have a chance to qualify? Next, let's analyze it in detail.
First of all, tactically, entering the round of 18, the national football team must resolutely abandon the single-back formation that was previously played in the round of 36, and coach Ivan must ensure that the 4-4-2 diamond-shaped midfield is no longer used, and the formation is changed to the traditional 4-5-1 formation, and the midfielder is changed to a double back to increase the number, thickness and hardness of the midfield, so as to strengthen the protection of the back line.
At the same time, arranging a forward player who can hold the ball in the front court must have a certain ability to play the ball and help the team seize the opportunity to counterattack. Use Wu Lei well.
Secondly, in terms of personnel, the last few games of the round of 36 have proved that some veterans in the national football team have been embarrassed to use, and they must change their thinking in terms of selection and employment, and boldly use newcomers, especially young players who can dare to fight, have a tough style, and do not hesitate to do physical strength, such as Baihelamu, Jiang Shenglong, Xie Wenneng and other players.
In addition, in the selection of the two full-backs, it is better to use naturalized players such as Fernando, Exxon and Allan, and if possible, try to naturalize one or two more players.
Finally, strategically, the 0-1 away game against South Korea has fully proved that the national football team can play a good game, especially at the defensive end. After the start of the round of 18, the Football Association must ensure that the national football players rebuild their confidence and inspire the players to play with courage, which is the most important thing!
Personally, I think that as long as the national football team has reasonable tactics, reasonable employment, confidence and courage in the round of 18 stage, even if our overall strength is not advantageous and we cannot compete with the top three of Japan, Australia and Saudi Arabia, we will at least have the opportunity to fight for the fourth place in the group and participate in the play-offs!