China Fails to Qualify for World Cup, State Media Highlights Alternative Participation for Self-Consolation

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Zhang Shuling, Beijing, June 15) China's national team has once again failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. In response, Chinese state media have emphasized the widespread presence of 'Chinese elements' at the tournament—such as Chinese-made footballs, team uniforms, Chinese referees, and electric shuttle buses—while the public mocks, 'Only the 11 people who should be on the field are missing.'

The 2026 World Cup will be held across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first expansion to 48 participating teams. Asia's direct qualification slots have doubled from the previous 4.5 to 8.5, yet Chinese fans remain disappointed as the national team was eliminated in the qualifying rounds and failed to reach the final tournament.

China has invested heavily in football, but its men's team has only qualified for the World Cup finals once—in 2002.

Despite the absence of players on the pitch, Chinese state media outlets such as CCTV and the People's Daily app have recently shifted focus to highlight China's 'presence' at this World Cup. This includes the Chinese lifestyle brand Labubu appearing in themed attire during the opening ceremony, Chinese referee Ma Ning being selected as a main referee, and the official match ball being manufactured by a Chinese company.

However, this contrast has sparked backlash among many fans, who argue that the ubiquity of 'Made in China' products proves that Chinese people are capable—making the national team's absence all the more laughable.

Hunan-based media outlet Hongwang published a commentary on the 12th, stating that while China has successfully aligned its cultural products, commercial ventures, and event collaborations with international trends, it has still failed to establish a stable and mature domestic football development system.

The article points out that China's football industry has experienced phases of speculative investment and blind expansion, followed by youth training gaps and talent drain. The number of registered youth players remains far below that of football powerhouses, and the grassroots development system is weak, leading to a chronic shortage of talent for the national team. Even with the World Cup's expanded format lowering the qualification threshold, the national team has failed to seize the opportunity, repeatedly stumbling in Asian competitions and even losing to teams with weaker capabilities.

In recent years, as China's real estate bubble burst, over 40 football clubs previously backed by property developers have been dissolved. The vast sums previously invested have been criticized by netizens as having primarily benefited foreign players, with local players often relegated to supporting roles. The corruption case involving former Chinese national team head coach Li Tie has further plunged the football community into a state of low morale. (Editor: Chen Kaiyu) 1150615

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