In the past, the Chinese men's soccer team tried to attract a number of foreign coaches who have unique insights into Asian soccer, but repeatedly hit a wall. In view of this, the Football Association had to turn their attention to the domestic, the Asian Games team coach Yankovic promoted to the new head of the national team. Meanwhile, Portuguese coach Paulo Bento, who was once considered the FA's preferred choice, has finally been given a new career opportunity after politely declining the national team's head coaching job, and will take charge of the UAE in a bid to reach the top of the 2026 World Cup!
What is still fresh in my mind is that since the end of last year to the beginning of this year, both the domestic media and the Korean media, rumors have been circulating that the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is interested in inviting Portugal's famous coach Paulo Bento to lead South Korea to play in the Qatar World Cup in the expectation that he will be the head coach of China. This move also fits the FA's selection criteria for foreign coaches - they must have a deep understanding of Chinese and Asian soccer!
However, Paulo Bento did not leave his mark on the World Cup stage in South Korea. After politely declining the offer, he was idle for a while, preferring to stay empty. Until today, Romano broke the news that Paulo Bento will coach China and help the UAE team to the 2026 World Cup, and signed a contract worth a lot of money!
The renowned coach, who has managed Chongqing in the Chinese Super League, knows Chinese soccer inside out and as the coach of South Korea, he has an insight into the current state of Asian soccer. His choice of the UAE over the national team has undoubtedly sparked much speculation. Both the national team and the UAE failed to qualify for the last World Cup, and Bento's goal is to help the team grow and make a mark at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese seems to favor one side's chances of winning!
Although both teams were among Asia's top 12 during the last World Qualifying Tournament, China finished at the bottom of Group B, while the UAE finished third in Group A. The UAE is the most likely team to qualify for the next World Cup, and the UAE is the most likely to qualify for the next World Cup. Obviously, the UAE are more likely to qualify for the next World Cup. One has to admit that Paulo Bento's choice is saddening: is it his lack of confidence in China's prospects?
