CCTV5 will broadcast live the top-ranking clash between the U22 Chinese National Team and Australia, featuring Wang Yudong's charge and Xiang Yuwang's need to prove himself.

At 19:35 on September 9th Beijing time, in the third round of Group D of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers, the U22 Chinese National Team will face Australia's U23 at home (Xi’an International Football Center), with CCTV5 broadcasting the game live.

The key points for the U22 China vs Australia match are as follows:

First:Team statusBoth U22 China and Australia have won their first two group matches convincingly. U22 China scored 12 goals and conceded 1, with a goal difference of +11; Australia scored 20 goals without conceding, holding a +20 goal difference. According to the rules, group winners advance directly, and the best four runners-up also qualify. This means a draw would likely see both teams advance, with the winner taking first place and the loser’s qualification depending on other results. The U22 China squad’s total market value is €6.9 million, with the highest valued player being 18-year-old Wang Yudong, a key striker from Zhejiang in the Chinese Super League, worth €1.5 million. The second highest is domestic League One forward Xiang Yuwang (€450,000), who has been disappointing in the first two games, missing 8 clear chances without scoring. Australia’s U23 team has a slightly higher total value at €7.05 million.

Second:Battle for the top spot: Wang Yudong charges forward, Xiang Yuwang must prove himselfThis match is a crucial battle for the U22 China team to secure the top spot in the group and qualify. In their last game, a 1-0 win over Northern Mariana Islands, China led by only one goal at halftime, but Wang Yudong came off the bench in the second half to create seven goal opportunities, scoring a hat-trick, providing an assist, and setting up two more, demonstrating the strength of a Chinese Super League main striker. However, domestic League One forward Xiang Yuwang, prolific in his league, has been disappointing for the national team, missing multiple chances in consecutive matches. In this high-level encounter, the coaching staff’s decision on whether to continue starting Xiang Yuwang will depend on his performance, as he needs to prove himself. The strength gap between U22 China and Australia is minimal, and the young players’ performance on the day is critical; many factors are irreplaceable. Ultimately, only those who fight hard will succeed.