Form, head-to-head record
China began their third qualifying round with a 0-7 defeat to Japan. That left fans disappointed and coach Branko Ivankovic under fire. Therefore, they are determined to beat Saudi Arabia on home soil.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also had a rough start to the 2026 World Cup third qualifying round. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia, a much weaker opponent. In addition, star Salem Al-Dawsari also missed a penalty kick.
China have won seven, lost seven and drawn six of their previous 20 matches against Saudi Arabia. In their most recent meeting in the 2022 World Cup third qualifying round, China drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia have lost just one of their last eight matches against China in all competitions, including a 3-2 win in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
In terms of form in the last 5 matches, the Chinese team only had 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia team had 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.
Force information
The Chinese team will have some personnel adjustments to play against Saudi Arabia. However, coach Branko Ivankovic will still rely on some key players.
Wu Lei is currently the top scorer in the Chinese national team with 36 goals. If he plays against Saudi Arabia, he will have his 98th cap for the national team.
Striker Zhang Yuning is also likely to retain his starting position, while goalkeeper and captain Wang Dalei will continue to keep his place in goal.
For Saudi Arabia, Nasser Al-Dawsari will once again feature in the attacking areas, as the 25-year-old continues his search for his first international goal.
In addition, other good attacking players such as Abdullah Radif, Musab Al-Juwayr... are also ready for the match with the Chinese team. Coach Roberto Mancini did not hide his intention to play offensively, in search of the first victory in the World Cup qualifiers.
The match between China and Saudi Arabia will take place at 7:00 p.m. on September 10.
Expected lineup of 2 teams:
Chinese team: Wang Dalei, Yang Zexiang, Jiang Guangtai, Zhu Chenjie, Liu Yang, Xie Wenneng, Li Yuanyi, Jiang Shenglong, Alan, Wu Lei, Zhang Yuning.
Saudi Arabia team: Al Owais, Tambakti, Lajami, Al Bulayhi, Al Ghannam, Al Khalbari, Al-Juwayr, Al Harbi, Kanno, Radif, Al Dawsari.
Score prediction: China 1-2 Saudi Arabia.
