It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Xi Jinping famously declared his three wishes for Chinese football back in 2011 (AFP File Photo)

Why China is so bad at football

WHEN FOOTBALL’S World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, one of the biggest beneficiaries was Asia. The continent received eight direct qualifying slots, plus the possibility of a ninth team via the play-offs—up from the previous arrangement of four direct plus another possible play-off team. With close to double the…

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