"World Cup expanded to 64 teams? We still wouldn't make it" - China's bitter self-assessment after being ranked 91st globally, 13th in Asia

Despite discussions within FIFA about potentially expanding the World Cup finals to a massive 64 teams, China's football authorities and media are expressing deep pessimism about the national team's prospects. Japanese outlet Football Channel reported that Chinese media outlets have largely responded to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's suggestions of an expanded tournament with bleak forecasts, sharply criticizing the current state of the Chinese men's national team.

The prevailing sentiment in China is one of self-awareness regarding the team's consistently poor performance. Even with a significantly larger tournament field, which would theoretically increase the chances for more nations to qualify, Chinese media outlets are lamenting that their team would still struggle to make the cut. This reflects a stark reality check for a nation that has long aspired to be a global football powerhouse.

Currently ranked 91st in the world and 13th in Asia, the Chinese team faces an uphill battle. The discussion around the World Cup expansion has thus become a moment of bitter self-reflection, highlighting the gap between national ambitions and on-field realities. The media's critical stance underscores the significant challenges ahead for Chinese football development.