On February 12, 2024, FIFA announced the latest national team rankings, and the ranking of the Chinese men's national football team fell from 79th last month to 87th, setting the lowest record in recent years, and also fell out of the top 10 in Asia, ranking only 13th in Asia, becoming one of the biggest losers after the Asian Cup. This ranking reflects the declining competitiveness of Chinese football in Asia and the world, and has also aroused attention and questions at home and abroad.
February** Dynamic Incentive Program
The decline in the ranking of Chinese football is mainly due to the dismal performance in the just-concluded 2023 Asian Cup. The Chinese team only won two draws and one defeat in the group stage, and finished bottom with a score of 2 points, failing to achieve the goal of entering the knockout stage for five consecutive times, and also creating the worst record of the Chinese team in the Asian Cup. China's opponents in the group stage, including Tajikistan, Lebanon and Qatar, were all teams below China in the FIFA rankings, but the Chinese team could not win, but instead lost a lot of technical points, resulting in a significant drop in the rankings.
The defeat of the Chinese team in the Asian Cup also exposed the problems and deficiencies of Chinese football in all aspects, including the guidance ability of the coaching staff, the technical and tactical level of the players, the psychological quality, and the physical state. Jankovic, the head coach of the Chinese team, admitted his responsibility after the game, saying that he did not lead the team to the expected goals and did not bring satisfactory performances to the fans. At the same time, he also pointed out the current situation and predicament of Chinese football, and believed that Chinese football needs to carry out deep reflection and reform to improve its cognitive level and competitiveness.
The decline in the ranking of Chinese football has also attracted attention and comments at home and abroad. Domestic ** and fans expressed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the performance of the Chinese team, believing that the Chinese team did not play its own level, nor did it show the style and characteristics of Chinese football. They called on the Chinese Football Association and relevant departments to take effective measures to improve the management and development of Chinese football, cultivate more excellent coaches and players, and improve the level and status of Chinese football. Foreign experts expressed surprise and sympathy for the performance of the Chinese team, believing that the Chinese team did not reflect its strength and potential, nor did it keep up with the pace of development of Asian football. They believe that the Chinese team needs to conduct more international exchanges and competitions, learn from the experience and models of other countries, and improve its competitiveness and influence.
The decline in the ranking of Chinese football has also brought more challenges and pressure to the future of the Chinese team. In September this year, the Chinese team will start participating in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and the goal of the Chinese team is to reach the World Cup finals and realize the dream of Chinese football. However, judging from the current situation, the Chinese team still has a long way to go and many difficulties to overcome if it wants to achieve this goal. If the Chinese team wants to achieve good results in the Asian qualifiers, it must improve its ranking and seeding status, avoid encountering strong opponents, and increase its chances of qualifying. The Chinese team should also adjust and optimize the coaching staff and players, improve their tactical and technical level, enhance their confidence and fighting spirit, and strive for the honor and future of Chinese football.