At a time when football lovers are looking forward to it, the Chinese national team is about to usher in the round of 18 of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. This is a moment full of hope and challenge, as the national football team will face the top teams in Asian football and fight to qualify for the round of 12 and finally the main tournament of the World Cup. Let's delve into the various aspects of the national football team's journey and the preparations that the Chinese football community has made to prepare for it.
1.Round of 18: A tough test
This round of 18 can be called an "early World Cup" for the Chinese team. In the group stage, the national football team will face three of Asia's top teams, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia, as well as Bahrain and Indonesia. The intensity of competition in this group has led many experts to believe that it is no less than the group of the main tournament of the World Cup.
It is particularly noteworthy that the schedule is quite unfavorable for the Chinese team. In the first three rounds, the national football team will play against Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia, the three strongest opponents. Such a schedule has undoubtedly brought huge psychological and technical and tactical pressure to the team. If they can achieve good results in these three games, it will greatly boost the team's confidence and prospects of qualifying; On the contrary, if you lose in a row, it will not only affect morale, but also make the qualifying situation extremely serious.
2. The positive response of the Football Association
In the face of such a grim situation, the Chinese Football Association has shown unprecedented attention and determination. Song Kai, chairman of the Football Association, personally came forward to coordinate with the Chinese Super League and made a bold decision: to make way for the national team and adjust the schedule of the Chinese Super League.
Specifically, a round of Super League matches, originally scheduled for August 24-25, will be brought forward to July 19-21. This adjustment is as high as 34 days, showing the Football Association's determination to create the best preparation environment for the national team. Not only that, but another round of the league that was originally scheduled to take place in the week after August 18 was also cancelled and brought forward to July instead.
The purpose of this series of adjustments is to allow the international players to assemble in advance and fully prepare for the first match of the World Preliminary Championship on September 5. According to the new arrangement, the national team will start training on August 18, and there will be a full 18 days to prepare for the competition. This kind of long-term intensive training was rare in the past, which fully reflects the importance that the Football Association attaches to this World Preliminary Tournament.
3. Ivankovic's challenges and opportunities
As the head coach of the Chinese national team, Serbian coach Ivankovic is undoubtedly a key figure in this World Preliminary Tournament. Ivankovic's decision is undoubtedly a welcome move, as it reflects the full support of the Chinese football community for his work.
However, this support also means more pressure and expectations. Ivankovic needs to make the most of this precious time during the 18-day training camp to improve the team's technical and tactical level, enhance the players' physical reserves, and most importantly, develop the team's cohesion and fighting spirit.
Against strong teams such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia, the Chinese team may have a disadvantage in terms of technology and experience, but if they can make a breakthrough in tactical execution and team spirit, it may not be impossible to create miracles. Ivankovic's coaching ability and on-the-spot command will be put to the test.
4. Responsibilities and opportunities for players
For the Chinese internationals, this World Preliminary Tournament is not only a huge challenge, but also a rare opportunity. Being able to compete with the top teams in Asia is a valuable opportunity to learn and grow.
However, there is also a lot of pressure on the players. Not only do they have to adapt to the high-intensity training camp in a short period of time, but they also have to face strong opponents in the competition. How to maintain self-confidence under pressure and perform at the best level will be the psychological hurdle that every player needs to overcome.
At the same time, it is also a good opportunity to show yourself and improve your value. If you can perform well against top opponents, you will undoubtedly attract the attention of overseas clubs and open up new possibilities for your career.
5. Sacrifice and contribution of the Chinese Super League
The Football Association's decision to adjust the schedule has undoubtedly had a certain impact on the Chinese Super League. Playing a match early may affect the team's preparation time, and it may also affect the form of the players. In addition, the intensification of the schedule can increase the risk of injury to players.
However, in the long run, this sacrifice is necessary and worth it. The strength of the national team is the key to the overall development of Chinese football. If the national football team can achieve good results in the world preliminaries, it will greatly enhance the international status of Chinese football, and then drive the development of the entire football industry, including the Chinese Super League.
Therefore, Super League clubs and players need to focus on the overall situation and actively cooperate with this adjustment. At the same time, clubs should also take this opportunity to strengthen their management and training to cope with a tighter schedule.
6. The expectation and support of the fans
For Chinese fans, this World Preliminary Tournament is undoubtedly an exciting event. For many years, the dream of the national football team hitting the World Cup has always been the expectation in the hearts of fans. While past experiences have brought many disappointments, each new journey rekindles hope.
The support of the fans is crucial to the team. Whether it's on-site cheering at home or remote support during away games, it's a huge boost to the players. At the same time, fans also need to be rational and put appropriate pressure on the team and players, but not to have high expectations so as not to put unnecessary burden on the players.
7. Changes in the Asian football landscape
In recent years, the overall strength of Asian football has improved significantly. Traditional powerhouses such as Japan, South Korea, and Iran maintain a high level, while teams such as Saudi Arabia and Australia are also improving. At the same time, Southeast Asian teams such as Vietnam and Thailand are also rising rapidly.
Against this background, the task of the Chinese team has become even more difficult. Not only do we have to try to catch up with the best teams in Asia, but we also have to be wary of the challenge of emerging powers. This requires us to improve tactically, technically, physically and other aspects in order to stand out in the fierce competition.
8. Thinking about long-term development
Although the World Preliminary Tournament is crucial, we cannot ignore the long-term development of Chinese football. The construction of the youth training system, the reform of professional leagues, and the cultivation of football culture are all aspects that require continuous investment and improvement.
While the Football Association fully supports the national team, it should also continue to promote these long-term efforts. Only by laying a solid foundation can we ensure the continuous progress of Chinese football, rather than being in a passive situation every time we are in the world preliminaries.
9. Accumulation of international experience
This World Preliminary Tournament, no matter what the result is, will be a valuable opportunity for Chinese football to accumulate experience in international competitions. Playing against the top teams in Asia gives us a clear picture of the gap between ourselves and the top teams and identifies areas for improvement.
At the same time, it is also a learning process. From the opponent's technical and tactical play, to their training methods, to pre-match preparation and on-the-spot adaptation, there are all valuable lessons we can learn from.
10. Conclusion: Opportunities and challenges coexist
The round of 18 of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers is a major opportunity and a serious challenge for Chinese football. In the face of strong opponents and unfavorable schedules, the Chinese Football Association made a bold decision to fully support the national team. This determination and courage deserve recognition.
However, the outcome of a football match is often unpredictable. We should neither be blindly optimistic nor overly pessimistic. The most important thing is that we need to learn, grow, and constantly improve our strength in the process. No matter what the result is, as long as we do our best and show our best self, we will make the greatest contribution to Chinese football.
Let's look forward to the national football team being able to create good results in this World Preliminary Tournament and write a new chapter for the development of Chinese football!