Chinese midfielder Wang Haijian has said that the team will put extra effort into set-piece defense in Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

China conceded two goals from corner kicks in the two sides' encounter last September. Recalling that disappointing home defeat, which was made tougher by a last-minute goal despite a numerical advantage, 24-year-old Wang noted that the team has improved steadily since then.

Jiang Guangtai (1st L) of China attends a training session for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers match between Saudi Arabia and China in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

"We must do a thorough job on set pieces as we conceded two goals from corners in our home match," Wang said.

Despite joining the national team a bit later than teammates due to his commitments with Shanghai Shenhua in the AFC Champions League, Wang believes he has adjusted well after several training sessions and is confident of Thursday's match.

"After arriving in Riyadh, we can feel the atmosphere of the match. Mentally and psychologically, we are now fully prepared for the game," he added.

Wang, who provided an assist for Zhang Yuning's winner in a 1-0 road victory over Bahrain last November, expressed hopes of bringing that good fortune to the upcoming match.

"Away games are always tough," he said. "Our priority is to focus on ourselves and stay solid in defense. Hopefully, we can deliver a satisfying result."

Both Saudi Arabia and China have collected six points after six matches in the six-team Group C, but Saudi Arabia is standing fourth with goal difference advantage, and China is at the bottom.

The top two of the group will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals directly, the third and fourth finishers will enter the next round, and the bottom two will be eliminated.

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