Chinese Football Sets Ambitious Agenda for 2025
Renewed Focus on World Cup Qualifications and Youth Development
As the global spotlight intensifies on upcoming football events, Chinese football is gearing up for a packed schedule in 2025, marked by concerted efforts across various levels—from senior men’s international fixtures to youth development.
The Chinese men's national football team commenced their preparation for the next round of 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers with a winter training session in Haikou, located in the Hainan Province of southern China.
With the Chinese Super League (CSL) having concluded its 2024 season in November, this camp provides a crucial period for players to address tactical inconsistencies that surfaced over the past year.
Despite China's current standing at the bottom of their qualifying group, they remain a mere point behind second-placed Australia, highlighting the potential for advancement.
Upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia on March 20 and a home game against Australia on March 25 are vital tests, buoyed by recent triumphs over Indonesia and Bahrain.
"Regardless of whether the Chinese team can finally qualify for the World Cup, playing more international games this year is of great help to improve the competitive level of the national team," stated Ma Dexing, a renowned football commentator.
The national team’s coach, Branko Ivankovic, underscores the importance of integrating new talents, with notable inclusions being Hou Yongyong from the Norwegian league and Wu Shaocong from the Polish league, who are set to bolster the squad during their respective league off-seasons.
Behind the scenes, domestic initiatives are equally robust.
The U20 team is preparing to host the AFC U20 Asian Cup in Shenzhen this February, aiming for a top position that grants entry to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Dejan Durdevic, intensive training sessions have been the order of the day, with players such as Afrden Asqer and Mutellip Iminqari standing out as key prospects.
The tournament marks another opportunity for China to replicate or surpass past successes, with the last notable breakthrough occurring in 2005 when China reached the last 16. Meanwhile, domestic football is witnessing pivotal reforms, exemplified by the roll-out of a unified national calendar for youth competitions spanning ages 13 to 18. This reform promises to optimize resources and streamline talent development, ensuring cohesive progression pathways.
In parallel, the Chinese women’s national team has a quieter schedule, preparing predominantly for the EAFF Women's East Asian Cup while focusing on nurturing emerging talents.
As China navigates this transformative period, the synergy between international exposure, strategic leadership, and grassroots development underlines a multifaceted approach aimed at elevating Chinese football on the global stage.
The Chinese men's national football team commenced their preparation for the next round of 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers with a winter training session in Haikou, located in the Hainan Province of southern China.
With the Chinese Super League (CSL) having concluded its 2024 season in November, this camp provides a crucial period for players to address tactical inconsistencies that surfaced over the past year.
Despite China's current standing at the bottom of their qualifying group, they remain a mere point behind second-placed Australia, highlighting the potential for advancement.
Upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia on March 20 and a home game against Australia on March 25 are vital tests, buoyed by recent triumphs over Indonesia and Bahrain.
"Regardless of whether the Chinese team can finally qualify for the World Cup, playing more international games this year is of great help to improve the competitive level of the national team," stated Ma Dexing, a renowned football commentator.
The national team’s coach, Branko Ivankovic, underscores the importance of integrating new talents, with notable inclusions being Hou Yongyong from the Norwegian league and Wu Shaocong from the Polish league, who are set to bolster the squad during their respective league off-seasons.
Behind the scenes, domestic initiatives are equally robust.
The U20 team is preparing to host the AFC U20 Asian Cup in Shenzhen this February, aiming for a top position that grants entry to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Dejan Durdevic, intensive training sessions have been the order of the day, with players such as Afrden Asqer and Mutellip Iminqari standing out as key prospects.
The tournament marks another opportunity for China to replicate or surpass past successes, with the last notable breakthrough occurring in 2005 when China reached the last 16. Meanwhile, domestic football is witnessing pivotal reforms, exemplified by the roll-out of a unified national calendar for youth competitions spanning ages 13 to 18. This reform promises to optimize resources and streamline talent development, ensuring cohesive progression pathways.
In parallel, the Chinese women’s national team has a quieter schedule, preparing predominantly for the EAFF Women's East Asian Cup while focusing on nurturing emerging talents.
As China navigates this transformative period, the synergy between international exposure, strategic leadership, and grassroots development underlines a multifaceted approach aimed at elevating Chinese football on the global stage.
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