In a candid exchange with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his reservations about the current state of China’s national men’s football team. Despite their recent victory over Thailand in the Group C qualifier for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Xi hinted at a lack of consistency and the team’s reliance on luck.
The Chinese team’s 2-1 win against Thailand was marred by tensions, with Thai fans reportedly attempting to provoke their Chinese counterparts. The incident, which occurred during the match, required security intervention after Thai supporters threw rubbish into the area designated for Chinese fans.
Xi’s remarks, captured in a video shared by a Thai government account on social media, reflect his long-standing interest in football and his aspiration to see China emerge as a formidable force in the sport. He openly admitted to uncertainties regarding the team’s capabilities, stating, “I think there was a lot of luck involved. Because now, about our national team, I’m not so sure about their level.”
The Chinese president, who has previously expressed his dream of China hosting and winning a World Cup, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the team’s performances, pointing to their “ups and downs.” This admission from a high-ranking official underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the team, which has struggled to meet the lofty expectations of its fans and the broader football community.
China’s journey in football has been fraught with challenges, including a recent 0-1 defeat to Syria in a friendly match, which was met with widespread criticism from fans and state media. The loss was described as “another embarrassing defeat,” amplifying the pressure on the national team to improve its performance.
The national football scene has also been shaken by an extensive anti-corruption campaign targeting key figures within the sport. This campaign has led to investigations and charges against several prominent individuals, including former national coach Li Tie.
Looking ahead, the Chinese men’s national team faces a critical period with the commencement of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and participation in the Asian Cup scheduled for January-February in Qatar. These upcoming events will not only test the team’s skills and resilience but also serve as crucial benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to uplift Chinese football.
President Xi’s frank assessment serves as both a reflection of the current state of Chinese football and a call to action for the team to rise to the challenges ahead, fulfilling the nation’s aspirations in the international football arena.
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