China vs Australia Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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China have given themselves a chance of a top four spot in the third round of AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they take on an Australia side off the back of an improved result.

Kick-off date/time: Tuesday 25th March, 2025: UK – 11:00am / US ET – 7:00am / US PT – 4:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Key Stats

• China PR have won only two of their last nine World Cup qualifying matches (D1 L6).
• China PR have kept only one clean sheet in their last 24 World Cup qualifying matches.
• Australia have won three of their last four international matches against China PR (D1).
• Australia have lost only one of their last 15 World Cup qualifying matches (W9 D5).
• Australia have lost only two of their last 20 international matches (W13 D5).

China vs Australia Prediction

China have become a stubborn and difficult team to play against as they remain in the hunt for a potential top two spot in Group C of the third round of AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they now face an Australia side under new management once again.

The Chinese were left frustrated the other day with another stubborn and reasonable performance as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia due to a late strike scored by Al Hilal attacker Salem Al Dawsari, following on from China going down to ten men due to a Lin Liangming red card.

Australia have replaced Graham Arnold with former Crystal Palace defender Tony Popovic in the dugout due to an underwhelming qualifying campaign thus far. The Socceroos have responded by annihilating Indonesia by five goals to one thanks to strikes from Martin Boyle, Nelson Velupillay and Liam Miller as well as a Jackson Irvine brace.

The Australians appeared to have be reinvigorated after a game under Tony Popovic so siding with the Socceroos looks the way to go for this one at the Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium.

China vs Australia Tip: Double chance – Australia to win or draw