Chinese Football Association plans to bid for the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier.

The Chinese Football Association announced on the 25th that in order to ensure the national team continues to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, they plan to bid to host the 2026 World Cup Asian Zone play-offs in October of this year. "According to the arrangements of FIFA and the AFC, the FIFA 2026 World Cup Asian Zone play-offs will take place in October 2025, and the AFC has started the selection process for hosting the play-offs. Based on the current standings in the third stage of the World Cup qualifiers, in order to ensure the national team continues to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the Chinese Football Association plans to actively bid for this event. We are now seeking intentions to host the event from all member associations," the Chinese Football Association stated.