China's national soccer team head coach Branko Ivankovic (right) and captain Wang Dalei Photo: Cui Meng/GT

TheMKsport Chinese national soccer team has embarked on the third stage of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers campaign with a low-key approach as they look to make the most of their opportunity against Japan on Thursday. 

Without grand send-offs by fans at the airport or an entourage of officials from the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the team’s low-key departure to Tokyo on Tuesday stood in stark contrast to previous years, reflecting a shift in strategy amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Chinese soccer, experts said. 

Head coach Branko Ivankovic has called up a full-strength squad, including star forward Wu Lei as well as three naturalized players, Jiang Guangtai, A Lan and Fei Nanduo.

CFA has not set any rigid targets for the national team this year, but the performance of the national team has always been a focal point for the public. China looks to fight for points against Japan before taking on Saudi Arabia on September 10 in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Despite the gap in strength between China and Japan, the national team should aim high and show their character, Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

“Although the Chinese team may not be as strong as opponents like Japan or Saudi Arabia, representing China in the World Cup qualifiers is a significant responsibility. Whether or not the CFA sets a specific target, the team must establish its own goals and demonstrate a fighting spirit,” Wang said. 

Wang also called on fans to handle the results of the game with a rational attitude and look on the bright side of the team’s performance.

In the third stage of the Asian qualifiers, China was drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will enter a play-off tournament.

Ivankovic expressed optimism ahead of the first match against Japan. 

“We will do our utmost to secure points in the game against Japan, and perhaps we might achieve an unexpected result, which would be the best reward for our fans. What's crucial is to avoid injuries and help the players quickly adapt to the rhythm of the competition,” he said, according to CCTV News. 

Despite Saudi Arabia's higher ranking, Ivankovic had higher expectations for his squad on home soil. "Our real test comes on September 10 when we host Saudi Arabia. In this match, we must secure points and strive for an ideal outcome," said the Croatian coach.