Watch Chinese team's World Cup qualifier in SZ

Wu Lei of China in action during the international friendly match between China and Uzbekistan in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Oct. 16. CFP

The Chinese men’s soccer team, which will undergo training in Shenzhen starting tomorrow in preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, is scheduled to play a vital match at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Longgang District on Nov. 21.

Those who’d like to watch the game live will be able to book a ticket on the online ticketing platform Damai. The team unveiled its 24-player roster for the qualifiers yesterday, with 26-year-old center forward Zhang Yuning returning to the squad after a long-term injury and naturalized forward Ai Kesen not being listed.

The Chinese team, ranked 80th, will play its first 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers away against 113th-ranked Thailand at Rajamangara Stadium, Bangkok, at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, before facing 28th-ranked South Korea at home in Shenzhen at 8 p.m. at the Shenzhen Universiade Center. The Chinese team will play the remaining four matches in March and June next year.

The fourth team of Group C to which the Chinese team belong is Singapore. Group winners and runners-up from each of the nine groups will reach the third round. Those 18 teams will also secure their places at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 21 (Tuesday)

Venue: Shenzhen Universiade Center

Add: 3001 Longxiang Road, Longgang District (龙岗区龙翔大道3001号)

Metro: Line 16 to Universiade Center Station (大运中心站), Exit C

Tel: 8998-5596