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Hope or Hype? Inside China’s Push for the 2030 World Cup
For decades, China’s World Cup ambitions have been defined by failure. But this time, something feels different. China’s dream to qualify for the 2030 World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, is no longer a distant dream. China’s lineup in their final 2026 World Cup Qualifier Match against Bahrain The improvement of Chinese youth teams on the Asian front was evident within the last two years, encapsulated in the progress of the U20 and U23 national teams within t
Ruize Zhang
May 203 min read


Small Football, Big Dreams- Wu Huayong, Cun Chao, and the Political Economy of Grassroots China
By Andrew Song, Edited by Jeffrey Zhang | Offside Wu Huayong, 吴化勇, star player of Cun Chao When the Village Super League first appeared on Chinese social media in 2023, it was perceived with curiosity and seemed counterintuitive to many: villagers playing football under floodlights with crowds larger than those of professional leagues, with prizes consisting of rice, ducks, and local products. But after spending time in Rongjiang County and interviewing Wu Huayong (吴化勇), o
Andrew Song
Mar 235 min read


How Cun Chao Reshaped Economy, Identity, and Power in Rural China
From Village Pitch to Social Engine How Cun Chao Reshaped Economy, Identity, and Power in Rural China By Andrew Song | Offside Photo taken on December 28 th , 2025, at the Rong Jiang Cun Chao football stadium. When Cun Chao or the Chinese Village Super League first attracted national attention in 2023, many outsiders saw it as a sudden miracle. Imagine this: villagers playing amateur football in Rong Jiang County , one of the poorest regions of the country, drawing crowds la
Andrew Song
Feb 247 min read


CSL Title Race is Shaping Up to be a Dramatic Showdown
The Chinese Super League (CSL) title race has been one of the most exciting stories in world football, defined by dramatic events and unexpected twists. Let’s break it down: For people unfamiliar with the league formatting, the CSL kicks off in late February, with teams playing 30 rounds through to November. Clubs must endure the grueling summer heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees. As the season progresses, top teams face the additional challenge of playing i
Andrew Song
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Guangzhou FC: Fall of an Era
Once the crown jewel of Chinese football, Guangzhou FC, also formerly known as Guangzhou Evergrande, dominated Asian football with 8 CSL...
Andrew Song
Oct 11, 20252 min read


The Rise and Fall of the Chinese Super League
Written by Andrew Song When Oscar quietly left Shanghai Port FC in early 2025, few outside China paid attention. There were no official...
Andrew Song
Aug 5, 20253 min read
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