The results of the group draw for the top 18 in Asia have been released, but for the national football team, the qualifying situation is not optimistic. A few days ago, it was reported that FIFA is considering using the special invitation quota to make it more likely for the national football team to participate in the World Cup. After all, the dream of the national football team to break into the World Cup with its strength always seems to be out of reach. Now, FIFA's policy shift has opened up a new path for the national football team.
FIFA's goal is to promote the global popularity and development of football, and China's participation will undoubtedly bring a wider market and higher attention to the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino once expressed regret at the end of the World Cup in Qatar for the absence of the Chinese team, which can't help but wonder whether the Chinese team will be the first beneficiary of the special invitation policy.
FIFA's special invitation quota is not without purpose. Behind this policy, there are clear conditions and considerations. First, the population size of the invited countries needs to be in the hundreds of millions, which undoubtedly puts China at the top of the list. Second, economic development and global influence are also important indicators, and China has significant advantages in both areas.
In Asian football, teams such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran and other teams have been able to enter the World Cup almost every time by virtue of their strength, while the national football team often struggles in the qualifiers. Even if the number of qualifying places in the Asian region increases to 8.5, the qualification situation of the national football team is still not optimistic. In the face of the upcoming round of 18, the national football team is already very lucky to be able to participate, and it is tantamount to a dream to enter the 2026 World Cup with its current strength. However, FIFA's special invitation policy may open a door for the national football team to participate in the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke highly of the success of the Qatar World Cup, but also expressed two major regrets: the absence of the Italian team and the absence of the Chinese team. Both teams have a significant role in world football, and their absence has undoubtedly made the World Cup a lot of disgrace. Mr. Infantino's remarks hinted at the importance that FIFA attaches to the national football team, and if the Chinese team can participate in the World Cup with a special invitation, it will undoubtedly make up for this regret and realize the dream of the majority of Chinese fans.
If FIFA's special invitation quota policy comes true, it will undoubtedly be a huge benefit for the national football team and Chinese fans, providing a new opportunity for the national football team to participate in the World Cup. This will not only stimulate the vitality of Chinese football, but also allow Chinese fans to see their national team in every World Cup, satisfying their love and expectations for football. So what do you think about the possible special invitation policy of FIFA?