China announces host cities for 2021 club World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup

BEIJING — Eight cities have been selected to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021 and 10 cities picked as venues for the Asian Cup in 2023, the Chinese Football Association announced on Saturday.

Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Shenyang, Ji'nan, Hangzhou and Dalian will host the first club World Cup featuring 24 teams from June to July 2021, the CFA said.

Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi'an, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen and Suzhou will stage the 2023 Asian Cup competitions. China had hosted the Asian Cup in 2004, where it finished runner-up after losing to Japan 3-1 in the final.

"Hosting the Club World Cup will be a major boost to China's football reform and expansion of football population," a CFA spokesman told Xinhua.

"It is a huge event for Chinese football, sports, and the whole country as well.

"The CFA will work together with FIFA and host cities to present a successful, wonderful and perfect event," he added.

FIFA president Infantino announced in October that China won the right to host the inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup in 2021.

The revamped Club World Cup will be held every four years featuring 24 teams and replaces the seven-team annual event.

Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande participated and finished fourth in the 2013 and 2015 editions of the Club World Cup.