China and Curacao clash in a friendly game on Friday at Stadium Australia in Sydney as part of the 2026 FIFA Series. Ranked 93rd in the world, China once again came up short in their World Cup ambitions, bowing out in the third round of the qualifiers.
With just three wins from 10 games and nine points earned, China finished second from bottom in Group C, failing to secure a place in the fourth round or achieve direct qualification to the tournament.
Head coach Shao Jiayi has called up 26 players for this month’s double-header against Curacao and Cameroon, including skipper Zhang Yuning and veteran goalkeeper Yan Junling. Only six players are uncapped in the squad.
Curacao scripted history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, becoming the smallest nation by population to achieve the feat, surpassing Iceland.
The Blue Waves sailed through the qualifying phase unscathed, going all six games unbeaten to finish atop Group B in the third round with 12 points. Their reward was a tough draw against Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E of the World Cup finals.
An island nation of just over 200,000 people, Curacao begins preparations for the competition with friendlies, facing China and Australia in March before Scotland and Aruba in May-June.
China vs Curacao Friendly
China vs Curacao Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This encounter marks the first official clash between China and Curacao.
- Curacao are unbeaten in their last six official games, winning and drawing thrice each.
- The Blue Waves have kept a clean sheet in their last two official games.
- Curacao are ranked 81st in the world, while China are in 93rd place, according to the latest FIFA World Ranking.
China vs Curacao Prediction
With Curacao eager to make an impression on their World Cup debut, they will approach these clashes with confidence.
China may seem like a better side on paper, but the Blue Waves should be able to see them off here.
Prediction: China 1-2 Curacao
China vs Curacao Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Curacao to win
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Stay updated with the latest match predictions and live scores via Resultados Futbol Hoy, your go-to source for Resultados Futbol Hoy.