Chinese Media Recognizes Indonesia’s Strength Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

Ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Chinese media outlets have acknowledged the growing strength of the Indonesian national team. Despite some criticisms labeling the Garuda squad as overconfident, there’s a consensus that Patrick Kluivert’s team holds a more advantageous position in Group C standings.

The upcoming match, scheduled for June 5 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, is pivotal for both teams. Indonesia currently sits in 4th place with 9 points from 8 matches, trailing behind Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. In contrast, China, under the guidance of Branko Ivankovic, finds itself at the bottom of the group with 6 points, level with Bahrain but behind on goal difference.

Match Significance and Team Preparations

The match in Jakarta is more than just a game; it’s a defining moment in the journey towards the 2026 World Cup. For Indonesia, a win would solidify their position and keep qualification hopes alive. For China, it’s a do-or-die situation; a loss would render their final game against Bahrain inconsequential.

Both teams are expected to field their best squads, with Indonesia leveraging home advantage and recent performances, while China aims to overcome recent setbacks and climb the group standings.