Heartbreak in Jakarta as China Exits 2026 World Cup Race
China's national football team saw their World Cup hopes vanish Thursday night after a 1-0 loss to Indonesia in a high-stakes AFC qualifier. The result leaves them bottom of Group C with one match remaining – a bitter pill for fans who've waited 20+ years for World Cup glory.
⚡ Key Moments
The game turned when defender Yang Zexiang conceded a penalty just before halftime. Oxford United's Ole Romeny coolly converted the spot-kick, while China's young star Wang Yudong couldn't crack Indonesia's defense despite multiple attempts.
🏃 Coach Takes Responsibility
Head coach Branko Ivankovic didn't shy away from accountability: "As leader, I bear significant responsibility." But he highlighted progress in youth development, praising new players' energy and predicting a brighter future for Chinese football.
With Japan and Iran already qualified from Asia, all eyes now turn to Indonesia's rising squad blending naturalized talent and homegrown players. Could this be Asia's new football force? 🌟
