China’s World Cup hopes crushed after loss to Indonesia, sparking media and fan backlash

Striker Wang Yudong (white jersey) takes a shot during the World Cup qualifier between Indonesia and China on June 5, 2025. Photo by AFP

News outlet Sina criticized coach Branko Ivankovic for the loss and pointed out that he made many mistakes.

In the first leg, China won 2-1 at home, but in the rematch on Thursday night, Indonesia claimed victory. The only goal of the match came from a penalty that was successfully converted by Indonesia striker Ole Romeny.

This is the first defeat of China after 68 years of being unbeaten against Indonesia.

The loss to Indonesia officially ended China’s hopes of competing for a play-off spot and marked their fourth consecutive defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

According to South China Morning Post, social media was awash with supporters suggesting the time had come to disband a side that was "a waste of national resources".

Meanwhile, Xinhua's headline read: "China fails to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeat to Indonesia." The article noted that the national team could not even finish in the top four in group C, and their position at the bottom of the group was described as a major embarrassment and a heavy blow to Chinese football.

Media outlet Sports163 remarked that coach Ivankovic's future is uncertain following the series of disappointing results, while the departure of several naturalized players has left a significant gap in the squad.

Chinese fans also expressed anger at their team's performance on social media.

One fan wrote: "Where do we stand in Asia? The last time China participated in the World Cup was 23 years ago."

Another comment read: "Any of the people in the village supermarket are better than them."

China's final World Cup qualifying game is set for June 10 against Bahrain at home.