Finally, something to Sing about
6 months, 1 week ago

Finally, something to Sing about

China Daily  

Chinese fans look nervously on during a 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier between China and South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday. Xinhua Lady Luck's benevolent smile shone brightly on Team China, whose odds-defying survival in the fight for World Cup qualification has given long-suffering fans a way overdue reason to celebrate — though not yet enough to save the game's declining domestic profile. Defeated, yet still breathing — the Chinese men's soccer team finished a dramatic night on Tuesday as a lucky loser, despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea, as it squeezed into the next round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup by the narrowest of margins, thanks largely to help from its close neighbor Singapore. Making it to the 18-team third qualifying stage, though not under its own steam, Team China has kept its World Cup hopes alive for at least 10 more matches, which will be played in the next 12 months.

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History of this topic

China loses to Japan in World Cup qualifier
1 month ago

China loses to Japan in World Cup qualifier

China Daily  

Wang Dalei, goalkeeper of China, reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match between China and Japan in Xiamen, Southeast China's Fujian province, Nov 19, 2024. XIAMEN -- China conceded three headers and lost to Japan 3-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday. China pulled one goal back in the third minute of the …

Chinese soccer appears to be getting worse despite President Xi’s pledge to make it better
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Chinese soccer appears to be getting worse despite President Xi’s pledge to make it better

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Chinese President Xi Jinping is reported to be a big soccer fan, and he promised in a 2015 document to resuscitate the men’s national team, damaged by abysmal results on the global stage and widespread corruption in local leagues. Japan defeated China 7-0 on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier in Saitama, Japan, a brutal loss that came …

China suffer crushing defeat against Japan in WC Asian qualifiers
3 months, 2 weeks ago

China suffer crushing defeat against Japan in WC Asian qualifiers

China Daily  

Wataru Endo of Japan celebrates with teammates after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between China and Japan in Saitama, Japan, Sept 5, 2024. TOKYO - China's national team suffered a crushing 7-0 defeat to Japan on Thursday in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers third round opener. The third round of the Asian qualifiers …

China coach describes humiliating WC qualifier defeat to Japan as 'most difficult night'
3 months, 2 weeks ago

China coach describes humiliating WC qualifier defeat to Japan as 'most difficult night'

China Daily  

China men's football team head coach Branko Ivankovic and forward Wu Lei attend the pre-match press conference for the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier, in Saitama, Japan, on Sept 3, 2024. SAITAMA, Japan - China national team head coach Branko Ivankovic said "this was the most difficult night" for him after a humiliating 7-0 defeat …

Team China steels itself for tough test
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Team China steels itself for tough test

China Daily  

Team China players during a training session in Tokyo on Tuesday. WU ZHIZHAO/FOR CHINA DAILY Despite being outranked in almost every metric of the game by the Samurai Blue, Team China refuses to give up fighting, as it heads to Japan to kick off the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. But, it doesn't mean …

Finally, something to Sing about
6 months, 1 week ago

Finally, something to Sing about

China Daily  

Chinese fans look nervously on during a 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier between China and South Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday. Xinhua Lady Luck's benevolent smile shone brightly on Team China, whose odds-defying survival in the fight for World Cup qualification has given long-suffering fans a way overdue reason to celebrate — though not yet enough …

Team China squeezes into final World Cup qualifying stage
6 months, 1 week ago

Team China squeezes into final World Cup qualifying stage

China Daily  

Nervous Chinese fans watch their team during the Group C match of 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers between South Korea and China in Seoul, South Korea on June 11. Team China's Xie Wenneng in action during the Group C match of 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers between South Korea and China in Seoul, South Korea on June 11. …

China keeps its World Cup hopes alive despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea. Thailand and India miss out
6 months, 1 week ago

China keeps its World Cup hopes alive despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea. Thailand and India miss out

Associated Press  

China kept its 2026 World Cup hopes alive by the narrowest of margins despite a 1-0 loss to South Korea on Tuesday in Asian qualifying. South Korea finished the second round of continental qualifying atop Group C and remains on course for an 11th straight World Cup appearance. China’s only appearance at a men’s World Cup so far was in …

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: China’s third round hopes in serious danger after loss to South Korea
6 months, 1 week ago

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: China’s third round hopes in serious danger after loss to South Korea

The Hindu  

China’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup were left hanging by a thread after suffering a damaging 1-0 defeat at South Korea on Tuesday. South Korea was already into the third and final stage of qualifying as group winners, but China’s defeat left it in serious trouble of an early exit. Thailand will leapfrog China into second in …

China coach calls for unity ahead of South Korea World Cup qualifier
6 months, 1 week ago

China coach calls for unity ahead of South Korea World Cup qualifier

China Daily  

Head coach of China Branko Ivankovic looks on in a training session in Seoul, South Korea, June 10, 2024, one day ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between China and South Korea. BEIJING -- China national team head coach Branko Ivankovic called for unity against South Korea against their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier in Seoul …

China coach calls for unity ahead of South Korea World Cup qualifier
6 months, 1 week ago

China coach calls for unity ahead of South Korea World Cup qualifier

China Daily  

Head coach of China Branko Ivankovic looks on in a training session in Seoul, South Korea, June 10, 2024, one day ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier match between China and South Korea. BEIJING -- China national team head coach Branko Ivankovic called for unity against South Korea against their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier in Seoul …

China head to head against Thailand in World Cup qualifier
6 months, 2 weeks ago

China head to head against Thailand in World Cup qualifier

China Daily  

China plays Thailand on June 6 in a crucial World Cup Asian qualifier, with the winner most likely to progress to the next round. With so much at stake for both teams' qualifying prospects, Team China and its Group C opponent Thailand are both going for three points from their encounter in a 2026 World Cup Asian Zone qualifier on …

It's do or Thai for threadbare Team China
6 months, 3 weeks ago

It's do or Thai for threadbare Team China

China Daily  

China's Ai Kesen and teammates share a light moment during a training session at the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center. With key starters suspended and several attackers still nursing injuries, the Chinese men's national team, coached by Croatian manager Branko Ivankovic, is apparently not at full strength, with just a week to go before it's due to host Thailand in Shenyang, …

Team China to throw off the shackles
9 months, 1 week ago

Team China to throw off the shackles

China Daily  

Branko Ivankovic has vowed Team China will go on the attack as the Croatian coach kicked off his tenure in charge of the struggling squad in bullish mood. After years of disappointments, expectations are at an all-time low that Team China can reach its first World Cup finals since a sole appearance at the 2002 edition. The former Iran and …

Drama-filled Asian Cup fuels 2026 World Cup hopes
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Drama-filled Asian Cup fuels 2026 World Cup hopes

New Indian Express  

DOHA: An Asian Cup that will be remembered for shocks and dramatic finishes has showcased the region's strength in depth and raised hopes its teams could reach new heights at the 2026 World Cup. Eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth are up for grabs for Asian Football Confederation sides at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United …

China head coach Jankovic vows to move forward after loss to S. Korea
1 year, 1 month ago

China head coach Jankovic vows to move forward after loss to S. Korea

China Daily  

China's Wu Lei vies for the ball during the second stage match against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament in Shenzhen of South China's Guangdong province November 21, 2023. SHENZHEN, China - China head coach Aleksandar Jankovic vowed to keep his team moving forward after the 3-0 home loss to South Korea in the …

Klinsmann expects 'very tough' battle
1 year, 1 month ago

Klinsmann expects 'very tough' battle

China Daily  

Republic of Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann. South Korea travels to China on Tuesday for 2026 World Cup qualifying, with Son Heung-min warning his side it must keep its cool in front of a sell-out crowd. South Korea thrashed Singapore 5-0 on Thursday to begin its qualifying campaign, with skipper and Tottenham Hotspur forward Son scoring a screamer from outside the …

Buoyant Team China braced for Shenzhen test
1 year, 1 month ago

Buoyant Team China braced for Shenzhen test

China Daily  

Team China head coach Aleksandar Jankovic will need his players to be at their absolute best on Tuesday in Shenzhen if they are to upset a highly rated South Korean team coached by Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann. Team China earned three precious points with a 2-1 triumph over Thailand on Thursday in torrential rain in Bangkok to get its World …

Team China starts World Cup qualifiers with victory over Thailand
1 year, 1 month ago

Team China starts World Cup qualifiers with victory over Thailand

China Daily  

It was not easy in the pouring rain, but China's men's soccer team earned three crucial points after winning its first Asian qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, beating Thailand 2-1 on Thursday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Thailand got the lead after Sarach Yooyen scored in the 23rd minute, but Team China captain Wu Lei equaled six minutes …

China beat Angola, but Paris 2024 looks out of reach
1 year, 3 months ago

China beat Angola, but Paris 2024 looks out of reach

China Daily  

Bruno Fernando of Angola in action during the match. Team China's New York-born forward Li Kaier, or known as Kyle Anderson in the United States, said the first win helped release a lot of pressure. "It takes a lot off our shoulders and now we could just focus on playing our game and play a little bit loose and go …

Team China runs cold in World Cup warm-ups
1 year, 4 months ago

Team China runs cold in World Cup warm-ups

China Daily  

China's Li Kaier drives at the New Zealand defense during a warm-up match on Sunday in Hamburg, Germany. With just two weeks to go until the FIBA World Cup tips off, Team China's struggles in recent warm-up games have sounded alarm bells for their bid to earn Olympic qualification at the tournament. Sometimes you must play with courage, and that's …

Asian Champions Trophy hockey 2023, Team Preview: A renewed hope for China
1 year, 4 months ago

Asian Champions Trophy hockey 2023, Team Preview: A renewed hope for China

The Hindu  

China enters the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy as the lowest-ranked team among the six participating nations. Asian Champions Trophy record: Titles: 0 Matches: 24 Won: 8 Drawn: 1 Lost: 15 Goals: 48 The 2023 Asian Champions Trophy will therefore be a comeback tournament for China, which will be hopeful of replicating the performances it managed the last time it played …

Coach Shui Qingxia takes on pressure as China keep World Cup 2023 last 16 hopes alive
1 year, 4 months ago

Coach Shui Qingxia takes on pressure as China keep World Cup 2023 last 16 hopes alive

The Hindu  

China coach Shui Qingxia brought her Asian Cup-winning team to Australia hoping to move a step closer to restoring the Steel Roses to their former glories, more than two decades after losing to the United States in the Women’s World Cup final. “When we arrived in Australia for the World Cup, I told the players not to feel pressured,” Shui, …

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: China finalises squad, targets quarterfinals
1 year, 5 months ago

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: China finalises squad, targets quarterfinals

The Hindu  

Asian champions China is targeting a spot in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals after coach Shui Qingxia named her 23-player squad for the tournament. China’s squad for the competition, which is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20, features nine players with World Cup experience including captain Wang Shanshan and star striker Wang Shuang. …

Well-drilled Team China ready to ratchet up intensity
2 years, 3 months ago

Well-drilled Team China ready to ratchet up intensity

China Daily  

Coach Du hopes tough training stint gives his men an edge in qualifiers Du Feng, head coach of the Chinese men's basketball, during the World Cup qualifier against Australia in Melbourne, Australia, June 30, 2021. Team China is confident a rigorous European training trip has given it the best possible chance of redemption in its upcoming World Cup qualifiers in …

China withdraws as 2023 football Asian Cup host due to pandemic
2 years, 7 months ago

China withdraws as 2023 football Asian Cup host due to pandemic

Al Jazeera  

The Asian Football Confederation praises Chinese officials for making a ‘very difficult but necessary decision’. China withdrew as the 2023 Asian Cup host because of the coronavirus as the country battles its worst outbreak since the early days of the pandemic. The Asian Football Confederation praised Chinese officials for making “this very difficult but necessary decision in the collective interests …

After Beijing Winter Olympics, China hopes to host FIFA World Cup in future
2 years, 10 months ago

After Beijing Winter Olympics, China hopes to host FIFA World Cup in future

Firstpost  

Football fan President Xi Jinping has said he wants China to stage and even win the men’s World Cup one day, and the country has been building and renovating stadiums in apparent anticipation Beijing, China: After staging both a Summer and now a Winter Olympics, there is one major international sports event left for China to host — the football …

China inches closer to FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 title
3 years, 2 months ago

China inches closer to FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 title

China Daily  

Huang Sijing of China drives the ball during the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 semifinal basketball match between China and South Korea in Amman, capital of Jordan, Oct 2, 2021. AMMAN - The top-ranked Chinese team is inching closer to the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2021 after a stunning 93-69 victory over South Korea Saturday. The Chinese team is just …

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