China unveiled a 31-player roster on Friday for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, where new head coach Branko Ivankovic is to make his debut.
In his first training camp as China coach, the Croatian has notably called up four naturalized players Ai Kesen, Li Ke, Jiang Guangtai and Fei Nanduo, with Fei returning to the national team after a two-year absence.
The roster features five newcomers Li Yuanyi, Xie Wenneng from Shandong Taishan, Cheng Jin, Zhao Bo from Zhejiang FC and Shanghai Port full back Wang Zhen'ao, while 35-year-old captain Wu Xi is not included in the list.
The Chinese team is slated to play back-to-back world qualifiers against Singapore, on March 21 and 26 respectively.
The 31-man roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Liu Dianzuo, Yan Junling, Zhao Bo, Wang Dalei;
Defenders: Jiang Guangtai, Zhang Linpeng, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong, Liu Yang, Li Lei, Wang Zhen'ao, Li Shuai, Li Ang, Gao Zhunyi, Deng Hanwen;
Midfielder: Chen Pu, Xie Wenneng, Li Yuanyi, Cheng Jin, Wei Shihao, Dai Weijun, Gao Tianyi, Xie Pengfei, Lin Liangming, Li Ke, Ba Dun, Wang Shangyuan;
Forwards: Wu Lei, Ai Kesen, Fei Nanduo, Zhang Yuning.
Open letter before European Parliament election: Prioritize democracy as authoritarianism grows
South China Sea News: Naval base expansion 'gives China more power in disputed sea'
One in critical condition after e
Israel reined in by International Court of Justice rulings on Gaza
Maverick Kentucky congressman has avoided fallout at home after antagonizing GOP leaders
Tesla, Volvo Car pause output as Red Sea shipping crisis deepens
Japan's lunar craft lands successfully but can't generate solar power
Communist Party anniversary will be the 'elephant in the room', expert says
Rising costs, working from home blamed for hospitality struggles
JFK airport project misrepresented as not allowing bids from white, male
Blizzard strikes North America, cancelling flights and disrupting presidential campaign