The third round of the Asian qualifiers features 18 teams divided into three groups, with the top two teams from each group directly qualifying for the World Cup. The third- and fourth-placed teams will enter the playoffs.
2026世预赛亚洲区18强分组 图源:AFC亚洲杯微博
中国与日本、澳大利亚、沙特阿拉伯、巴林和印度尼西亚同在 C 组。预选赛的惨败给中国的世界杯之旅蒙上了一层阴影。
China are placed in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. This heavy defeat in the opening match casts a shadow over China's World Cup campaign.
9月10日,国足将在大连主场迎来18强预选赛的第二个对手沙特队。
China will next face Saudi Arabia in Dalian on September 10.