China is to compete with Asian leaders Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, as well as Oman, Vietnam in its quest for a second appearance in the World Cup following the draw of the third round of Qatar World Cup 2022 made on Thursday. The 12 teams were drawn into two groups. Japan, the continent’s top team in the FIFA World Ranking who is seeking a seventh consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup Finals, was joined by Australia and Saudi Arabia, both having made the Finals five times previously. China made its only World Cup appearance in 2002 while Oman and Vietnam have never qualified for the global showpiece.
