Japan vs China Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

China haven’t qualified for World Cup since 2006.

Four-time Asian Champions Japan are all set to host China in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup third-round qualifier clash in Saitama. Both sides have been drawn in Group C alongside Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Indonesia. The hosts will return to action for the first time since their statement of 5-0 victories over both Myanmar and Syria in June. 

China on the other hand have not had a memorable 2024 so far. They have only managed to pick up one win in their last eight games and have been on the end of three defeats and four draws. The Dragon team played out a 1-1 draw against Thailand before losing 1-0 to South Korea in June in their final second-round qualifier fixtures.

Kick Off

Thursday, September 5, 4:05 PM IST

Venue: Saitama Stadium, Japan

Form

Japan (in all competitions) W-W-W-W-L

China (in all competitions) L-D-W-D-L

Players to watch 

Ritsu Doan (Japan)

Ritsu Doan has been enjoying a fine run of form for Japan. He has found the back of the net four times in the last 12 months, including a goal each in the last two games against Thailand and Myanmar respectively. The attacking midfielder is one of his nation’s most lethal weapons upfront. Doan is known for his creativity and his ability to perform under pressure. 

Wu Lei (China)

Wu Lei finished as the top scorer for China in the second round of the qualifiers with five goals to his name. The 32-year-old is the most experienced campaigner for China and is nearing 100th international cap for the Dragon team. He was a driving force behind his nation’s run to the third round and will be keen to continue his same run. Lei is known for his goalscoring and positioning.

Match facts

• The hosts are undefeated against China in their last 15 meetings
• The last time China defeated the Samurai Blue was back in 1998
• The Samurai Blue have won nine out their 11 games in 2024

Japan vs China: Betting Tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Japan to win
• Tip 2: Both teams to score
• Tip 3: Ueda to find the back of the net

Injury & Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 40

Japan wins – 16

China wins – 15

Draws – 9

Predicted Line-up 

Japan (3-4-2-1)

Suzuki (GK); Itakura, Yoto, Machida; Doan, Tanaka, Endo (C), Nakamura; Kubo, Minamino; Ueda.

China (4-3-1-2)

D Wang (C) (GK); Liu, Zhu, Jiang, Lei; Xie, Wang, Pengfei; Xu; Abduweli, Lei

Prediction

Japan are the clear favourite coming into this game, thanks to their superior run of form in 2024 and their better head-to-head record against their Chinese counterparts. Moreover, China haven’t had many noteworthy outings in 2024 and haven’t defeated the hosts since 1998.

Prediction: Japan 3-1 China

Telecast Details

NA

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