Losing to Japan, China team was surpassed by Indonesia

The Japanese team continued to show superiority over the rest in Group C of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. On the evening of November 19 at the Xiamen City Stadium (Fujian, China), the number 1 team in Asia defeated the host China with a score of 3-1.

The match statistics show Japan's dominance. The visitors controlled the ball 69% of the time, had 12 shots (6 of which were on target). The Japanese players completely dominated and pressured their opponents from the first half.

Japan team defeated China. (Photo: Getty Images)

However, they had to wait until the end of the half to score. Koki Ogawa and Ko Itakura scored to give Japan a 2-0 lead at half-time. Both goals came from corner kicks.

The Chinese team reduced the score early in the second half. However, Ogawa quickly restored the 2-goal gap for the Japanese team just a few minutes later with a simple header.

The home team attacked more than in the first half but the Chinese players could not turn the situation around. Japan still controlled the match, no longer applying too much pressure but still keeping the match under control.

The 3-1 victory helped the Japanese team maintain their unbeaten streak. Coach Hajime Moriyasu and his team only need one more point to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, China still has a chance to compete for a place in the next round.

China	1-3	Japan
Liangming (49')	Score	Ogawa (39', 54') Itakura (45+6')

2026 World Cup Qualifiers Standings

Table C

XH	Team	Battle	Goal - Goal conceded	Point
1	Japan	6	22-2	16
1	Australia	5	4-3	6
2	Indonesia	6	6-9	6
4	Saudi Arabia	6	3-6	6
5	China	6	6-16	6
6	Bahrain	5	3-8	5

Xiao Ming

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/thua-nhat-ban-tuyen-trung-quoc-bi-indonesia-vuot-mat-ar908373.html