China are set to face Cameroon at AAMI Park in their final match of the 2026 FIFA Series friendly tournament on Tuesday, looking to secure the top spot in the Australia section. A 2–0 victory over Curacao puts China at the top of the bracket on goal difference. Cameroon, meanwhile, are third after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Australia.
China’s Aim for the Top Spot
With the Australia group of the 2026 FIFA series played under a pre-arranged format, China know a victory could be enough to secure top spot following their winning start. Goals from Wei Shihao and Zhang Yuning secured maximum points against Curacao. The result also delivered Shao Jiayi his first victory in his two games in charge and extended the Asian side’s unbeaten run to three matches (W2, D1).
This uptick follows a difficult spell, during which China lost five of their previous six outings. Their solitary victory in that sequence proved insufficient to secure a World Cup berth, having finished three points behind fourth-placed Indonesia in Group C of Asia’s third qualifying round.
Success in the ongoing friendly tournament would provide a timely boost during the team’s rebuilding phase. It also offers an opportunity to improve their current 92nd-place standing in the FIFA World Rankings.
Cameroon’s Transitional Period
Like their Asian opponent, Cameroon are undergoing a transitional period. The five-time African champions are seeking to rediscover consistency, currently ranked 45th in the world.
The Indomitable Lions missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup after finishing four points behind Cape Verde. They were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations by hosts Morocco in January.
Playing their first match since that setback, a Bryan Mbeumo-less Cameroon suffered a narrow defeat to another host nation in Saturday’s FIFA Series opener. Jordan Bos’s late strike condemned the African nation to back-to-back losses for the first time since October 2023.
Needing victory to stand any chance of topping the Australia section, David Pagou’s side can still draw encouragement from their recent away form. They have won three of their last five matches on foreign soil (D1, L1).
Team News
China emerged from their win over Curacao without any apparent injury concerns. This leaves head coach Jiayi with a full 26-man squad available for selection.
Captain Yuning impressed last time out, providing an assist before getting on the scoresheet himself. He is expected to play a key role again, likely in a two-man attack within a 4-4-2 setup.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Xu Bin – on l
China know victory on Tuesday could be enough to secure top spot following their winning start.