Two teams at the bottom of Group C will clash on Tuesday afternoon as China take on Indonesia in their fourth match of the AFC World Cup qualifying third round. The hosts are at the foot of the table with three losses from three games, while the visitors are fifth in the standings with three draws from their three outings.
While they may not boast the same stature as current continental heavyweights such as Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, Indonesia were actually the first Asian team to feature at a FIFA World Cup -- back in 1938 when they were still known as the Dutch East Indies. Since then, they have not come remotely close to reappearing on the biggest stage the sport has to offer.
But ahead of the 2026 edition, Indonesia have currently gone further than they ever have in the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup -- and their results in the third round thus far have arguably surpassed all expectations. After three games, the Indonesians remain unbeaten having recorded impressive draws against two powerhouses in Saudi Arabia and Australia, as well as with Bahrain last Thursday. While they probably would have originally satisfied with three points from their opening three outings, the fact that they have shown they can match it with the continent's elite might have resulted in a realignment of their targets for the campaign.
They could easily have picked up a win against Bahrain after coming from behind to lead 2-1 -- only to be denied by a 99th-minute equaliser which led to an uproar in the Indonesian camp over the amount of injury-time that added on. Yet, perhaps Southeast Asia's sole representatives in the third round of Asian qualifiers will not have to wait much longer to claim a historic first win at this stage.
On Tuesday, they lock horns with another familiar name of Asian football: China. This is not the same China that reached the World Cup in 2002. Nor is it the same China that made it to the final four in six out of eight editions of the AFC Asian Cup from 1976 to 2004. China, who were once as high as 37th in the FIFA world rankings, are now 91st. They were 79th just a year ago.
In the previous round of Asian qualifiers, they were held to draws by similar Southeast Asian opposition in Thailand and Singapore and only scrapped through via goal difference. Since then, they have been thrashed 7-0 by Japan, threw away a lead to lose 2-1 to Saudi Arabia despite playing over 70 minutes with a numerical advantage, and were beaten 3-1 by an Australian outfit also struggling and in their first match with new coach Tony Popovic at the helm.
Even on paper, perhaps this is not a match that China will be favourites for -- even if they still sit significantly higher than Indonesia's world ranking of 129th. A main factor is the fact that Indonesia have been bolstered considerably by the continuous arrivals of overseas-born players of local heritage who have committed to representing Merah Putih. Jay Idzes, playing in Serie A with Venezia, has been a huge presence in defence and is already captaining the team despite having just six caps to his name. On debut last month, FC Dallas goalkeeper Maartens Paes produced an inspired display to help Indonesia draw with Saudi Arabia. Just last week, Eliano Reijnders -- younger brother of AC Milan and Netherlands star Tijjani -- and fellow Eredivisie man Mees Hilgers became the latest to don the Indonesia jersey.
Indonesia currently have ten players plying their trade in Europe, and even more in notable nations such as United States, South Korea and Australia. China have none, with their entire squad based in the Chinese Super League. Despite their recent poor form, the Chinese will not be pushovers. They still boast plenty of individual quality even with talismanic skipper Wu Lei missing through injury, and they did show more signs of life last week even if they did lose to the Socceroos. Still, Indonesia are rising -- and they're rising fast.
Indonesia's Unbeaten Streak: A Rising Force in Asian Football
Indonesia's current unbeaten streak in the third round of World Cup qualifiers is a testament to their progress in recent years. Their impressive draws against Saudi Arabia and Australia, along with their narrow escape against Bahrain, have demonstrated their ability to compete with the continent's elite. The influx of overseas-born players with Indonesian heritage has significantly bolstered the team, adding a new dimension to their gameplay. Players like Jay Idzes and Maartens Paes have brought a wealth of experience and talent, making Indonesia a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming matches.
China's Struggle for Form: A Team in Search of Its Identity
China's recent performances in the World Cup qualifiers have been a far cry from their golden era. Their 7-0 loss to Japan, followed by defeats against Saudi Arabia and Australia, have highlighted their struggles to find form and consistency. The absence of talismanic skipper Wu Lei due to injury has further compounded their woes. Despite boasting a roster of talented players from the Chinese Super League, the team seems to lack the spark and cohesion needed to compete at the highest level.
Will China Find Its Footing Against Indonesia?
The upcoming match between China and Indonesia presents a crucial opportunity for both teams. For China, it is a chance to break their winless streak and regain some confidence. For Indonesia, it is an opportunity to cement their position as a rising force in Asian football by securing their first win in the third round of qualifiers. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams' World Cup aspirations. While China may hold a higher ranking, Indonesia's recent performance and the influx of new talent make them a formidable opponent. The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to claim victory.
The Future of Asian Football
The upcoming match between China and Indonesia highlights the changing landscape of Asian football. While China is still a force to be reckoned with, their recent struggles have opened the door for other teams to challenge their dominance. Indonesia's rise, fueled by the influx of overseas-born players and a growing sense of national pride, is a testament to the region's potential. The future of Asian football is bright, with new and exciting teams emerging to compete at the highest level. The upcoming match between China and Indonesia is just one example of this evolution, with both teams poised to leave their mark on the international stage.
The Unwavering Passion of Chinese Fans
Despite their team's struggles, Chinese fans remain unwavering in their support. They travel great distances and make significant sacrifices to watch their team play. The unwavering passion of these fans is a testament to the enduring love for the sport in China, and it is this passion that will drive the team forward, even in the face of adversity.
