The two bottom teams in Group C will meet on Tuesday afternoon China take over Indonesia in their fourth AFC game World Cup third qualifying round.

The hosts are at the bottom of the table with three defeats from three games, while the guests are fifth in the table with three draws from their three games.

Game preview

© Imago

China narrowly qualified for the third round of AFC FIFA World Cup qualifying as they finished second in their second-round group with nine points, level with Thailand, but advanced due to a better head-to-head record, having won one game and drawn one had others.

However, after the climax of reaching the third round, China were quickly brought back down to earth when they suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Japan in their opening Group C game.

Branko IvankovicSince then, the team has suffered a 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia and a 3-1 defeat against Australia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a single point.

Tuesday's game against Indonesia could provide China with the perfect chance to pick up their first points as the visitors sit one place above them in the group table.

Shin Tae Yongwho has coached Indonesia since 2020, confidently led the team into the third round as they finished second in their second qualifying round group with 10 points, four points ahead of third-placed Vietnam.

They got off to a decent start in the third qualifying round, remaining unbeaten in their first three games after suffering three straight draws against Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain.

While Indonesia would have been happy with two points from Saudi Arabia and Australia, they will be extremely disappointed with the draw against Bahrain as they conceded the equalizer in the 99th minute.

Shin's will be hoping his side can continue their unbeaten start to the group against a team that was yet to pick up a point on Tuesday, with the aim of moving towards the top two and securing a place at the 2026 World Cup.

China World Cup Qualification – Asia Form:

Indonesia World Cup Qualification – Asia Form:

Indonesia form (all competitions):

Team news

© Imago

Lei Li is questionable for this game as the defender was substituted due to injury in the 77th minute of the 3-1 loss to Australia Yang Liu could join the team.

Wenneng Xie scored China's first group goal of the game, with his goal against Saudi Arabia being an own goal, and the striker is likely to be back in the starting lineup here.

As for Indonesia, a similar side to the one that came within minutes of their first win against Bahrain in the last game could start here as they look to take all three points for the first time.

Rafael Struick And Ragnar Oratmangoen scored the goals for their team in this game and both will probably start in the striker position in this game.

Possible starting lineup for China:
Wang; Hu, Browning, Jiang, H Li; Xie, Wang, Y Li, Wei; Fernandinho, Zhang

Possible starting lineup for Indonesia:
Paes; Walsh, Hilgers, Amat, Idzes, Verdonk; Risaldi, Jenner, Haye, Oratmangoen; Struick

We say: China – Indonesia 1:2

Indonesia are yet to lose a game in Group C, while China are yet to pick up a single point from their first three games, suggesting the visitors will win this game.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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