Soccer glory hope pinned on young players

As Spain lifted its second World Cup on Sunday and FIFA's showpiece tournament capped its expanded 23rd edition with global fanfare, many Chinese soccer fans were left wondering how long they'd have to wait for the national team to return to this elite international stage.

Despite uninterrupted nationwide excitement over the quadrennial sporting extravaganza, China made its sole appearance in the tournament 24 years ago, and former players said they believe a return would take consistent and concerted endeavors, given the current high standards of international soccer.

The World Cup remains a global benchmark in the game, and its expanded 48-team edition would require Chinese sports governing bodies, youth development promoters and league operators to invest a great deal of time and effort for the national squad to reenter the tournament, they said.

Sun Jihai, 48, a former Chinese national soccer star, who gave a running commentary in Beijing on the final match between Spain and defending champion Argentina, noted the involvement of Chinese sponsors, referees and manufacturers in this year's tournament.

"To see such a strong Chinese presence, we should feel proud. But, I believe, what we all hope to see is our men's team making it there again," said Sun, who was a formidable defender on China's 2002 World Cup qualifying team.

"To do it again — not just once, but in a consistent way — we need to work harder, investing long-term effort in youth training and committing to grassroots promotion, instead of relying on the fantasy of a quick-fix," said Sun, who also played with Manchester City in the Premier League.

"That's how all the global soccer powerhouses — and some of the emerging new contenders — do it. There is no other way," he added.

Sun is not the only one calling for a more pragmatic and consistent plan to revitalize Chinese men's soccer program. After the country's qualifying hopes for the 2026 tournament were crushed in June last year in the sixth consecutive failure, many in the industry highlighted the complex disconnect between the ambitious administrative push and on-field performance.