The China national men's football team was founded in 1913. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) was established in 1924, and China joined the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in 1931. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, a new Chinese Football Association was established. China withdrew from FIFA in 1958 due to political reasons and rejoined in 1979. It joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1974 and co-founded the East Asian Football Federation with football associations from Japan, South Korea, North Korea and other countries in 2002.
Team History
China's highest FIFA ranking was 37th in the world in December 1998. The national team has participated in the AFC Asian Cup finals 12 times, finishing as runners-up twice in 1984 and 2004. It has qualified for the Olympic Football Tournament finals four times: in 1936, 1948, 1988, and 2008. In 2002, it made its first appearance in the FIFA World Cup finals.
Nowadays
On June 12, 2024, all 18 qualifying teams were determined in the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Chinese men's football team narrowly qualified for the top 18 as the runner-up of Group C by virtue of the head-to-head advantage over Thailand. On June 27, the draw for the top 18 round was held, with China grouped in Group C alongside Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Indonesia. On November 19, in the 6th round of the top 18, China lost 1-3 to Japan, concluding its 2024 campaign. On June 10, 2025, China defeated Bahrain 1-0 but finished second from the bottom in the group, exiting the World Cup qualifiers.
On June 9, 2025, after losing to Indonesia, the China national men's football team lost 15.05 FIFA ranking points, was overtaken by Thailand, and dropped to 99th in the world rankings.
