China Suffers Narrow Defeat to Saudi Arabia in World Cup Qualifier

China's national football team faced a critical setback in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia on March 20. The match turned after a red card was issued to Chinese player Lin Liangming just before halftime, severely impacting China's performance. Despite having more possession, China was unable to convert opportunities, while Saudi Arabia capitalized on a rebound to secure their victory. Following the loss, China sits at the bottom of Group C, now facing an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup. Analysts and AI predictions indicate a bleak outlook for China, estimating a high likelihood of failing to qualify, with a mere 2.6% chance of finishing in the top two of their group. The Chinese team, under coach Branko Ivankovic, has seen changes and new talent but continues to struggle against stronger opponents like Saudi Arabia.