China’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a critical test as they prepare to battle Thailand in a crucial qualifier at the Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre on Thursday. A win is essential for China to progress to the third qualification round, setting the stage for their final group game against South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium next Tuesday.
Currently, China sits second in Group C of the Asian section of World Cup qualification with seven points, trailing leaders South Korea by three points. Thailand follows closely in third place with four points. China is widely expected to struggle against undefeated South Korea, while Thailand is set to face Singapore, ranked 155th globally, in their final group match. Singapore has only managed one win and one draw in their last 10 encounters with Thailand, making a Thai victory likely.
Victory over Thailand would provide China, managed by Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic, with a six-point cushion and much-needed breathing room. However, China enters Thursday’s game with a depleted squad. Striker Wu Lei, who has netted five goals in four Group C games, and holding midfielder Li Yuanyi are both suspended. Additionally, forward Zhang Yuning and winger Lin Liangming are sidelined due to injuries.
“We’ll do our best with whatever we have, and our only goal is to secure a win,” Ivankovic stated on Monday. “The difficulties we face with injuries and suspensions cannot be used as an excuse. We must make the most of the players we have available. Thailand is a team with a distinctive style. We have analyzed their recent matches against South Korea and us. We will play with a more aggressive, offensive approach.”
In recent matches, Ivankovic has relied on naturalized Brazilian players Alan, Fernandinho, and Elkeson, who were previously overlooked during former manager Li Tie’s unsuccessful 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. The trio also did not feature in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, where China failed to score a single goal.
Striker Wei Shihao’s current form is a positive for the squad. The 29-year-old, who previously played for Boavista in Portugal’s top division, has scored four goals in his last three games for Chinese Super League club Chengdu Rongcheng.
China narrowly defeated Thailand 2-1 in Bangkok in the first Group C fixture in November but then suffered a 3-0 home defeat to South Korea, with Son Heung-min scoring twice. Ivankovic’s debut match saw China squander a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in Singapore. Captain Zhang Linpeng briefly retired from international football after the “humiliating” result but returned for the rematch four days later, which China won 4-1.
As China prepares for this pivotal game, the stakes are high, and the team is determined to overcome challenges and secure their place in the next round of World Cup qualification.
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