China's men's soccer team is about to embark on its 13th World Cup tour, with the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico expanding to 48 teams and increasing Asia's ticket from 5.5 to 8.5 seats.
On November 16, the national soccer team will face Thailand on the road in the first match of the Asian 36 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament in Gamo.On November 21, the national soccer team will have its first home match in the world qualifying tournament, as the team will face South Korea in Shenzhen.
The national soccer team is divided into a group with South Korea, Thailand and Singapore and needs to secure the second place in the group in order to qualify.
Before starting the new World Cup cycle, Wu Lei, the main striker of Shanghai Port, as the captain of the Chinese men's national soccer team, was interviewed by CCTV Sports. Wu Lei said bluntly that the strength of the national soccer team now has no advantage in Asia, and its ability and strength have decreased compared to before, but this does not mean that the national soccer team will give up and lose confidence. Wu Lei said that no matter what kind of opponents they face, the team must give their best.
On being captain of the national football team
Wu Lei: This is also my first time to be the captain of the national team. First of all, I would like to thank the head coach and teammates for their trust in me. The moment I wear the captain's armband, I may take on heavier responsibilities. The national team is slowly completing the process of replacing the old with the new, and there are many young players. I am also an old player and I need to play this role. Whether it's technical and tactical on the pitch, or the management of daily life, I need to take on more responsibility.
World Cup dreams
Wu Lei: Every time we want to hit this goal and fulfill this dream. We also know that our current strength has no advantage in Asia, and our ability and strength have decreased compared to before, but that doesn't mean we will give up and lose confidence. No matter what kind of opponent we face, we must give our best. This is not only our team's dream, but also the reality of the environment of Chinese soccer, we need to work hard to play well in the World Qualifiers and bring more confidence to Chinese soccer.
On May 30, 2021, the national soccer team also defeated Guam 7-0 Wu Lei in action.
What it feels like to win the CPL for HarbourFront
Wu Lei: It was a very exciting feeling to win the championship and have the fans celebrate with us, and then I went to Dalian to see the real trophy. Picked up the trophy and took a picture with it and celebrated twice. This time, I felt happier and more excited than the 2018 title, maybe age is more emotional. This is my first full season back in Hong Kong from Spain, and to win the championship with my teammates and staff, or all these people, I think it's very meaningful.
Golden Boot fight with Lennardo
WULEY: In the middle and late stages of the league, I didn't think about it. I was just fully committed and wanted to win the championship. In fact, the team encountered some difficulties in the middle and late stages, and the team's performance dropped. At that time, the team was also under some pressure, and they personally didn't think about it that much. In fact, in the last round, I never thought about it. But looking back, I scored two goals in the last round and ended up one goal short of Lennardo. There are still some regrets from that result.
The "Chongming Six Tigers" Wu Lei, Yan Junling, Zhang Linpeng, Wang Shenchao, Lu Wenjun, and Cai Huikang put the league championship medals on their mentors' necks and bowed to Xu's guidance.
Visiting teacher Xu Genbao after winning the championship
WULEY: It wasn't the idea the night we won the title. We had agreed on it a month or two ago. At that time, I thought the time might come earlier. Because at that time, looking at the trend of the league, we still had a good advantage. We were more than ten points ahead. We said that as soon as we won the championship, we would immediately go to Chongming to visit Director Xu.
Regarding the birth of a third child this year.
Wu Lei: I'm very happy about my sister's birth and she has brought me good luck. This year's league championship may have such a destiny. I left my family at a very young age to study and play soccer at Chongming Base. I probably crave more for the feeling and atmosphere that my family brings to me. Whenever I have time to rest, I will be with my family. In the past, when there was a match in Spain, I would take my children to the field and I wanted to cultivate this soccer atmosphere for them as well.
Spanish player Wu Lei celebrates scoring a goal during a match on April 10th. On the same day, the Spaniard beat Celta 1-0 at home in the 31st round of the 2021-2022 season of Spain's Primera Liga. AFP Release (Photo by Juan Gosa)
About the old boss, Spaniards
Wu Lei: I've been following the Spaniards. Now they are in Spain B. I also watch some matches and highlights and follow where they are in the table. I think I can have three years of experience in Spain because not every athlete can have this kind of opportunity, so I am also very happy. I think it was very worthwhile to have this experience in my career.
