Despite the fact that the AFC sent a delegation of unprecedented size, it failed to get what it wanted at the AFC General Assembly, and the results of the election were disappointing. Although Du Zhaocai was recommended by the AFC, he received only 18 votes, ranking at the bottom of the list of candidates, and was not elected. Du Zhaocai's defeat had a far-reaching impact on the domestic soccer community, like a butterfly effect chain reaction.
Fans have lamented that in the AFC, our soccer seems isolated. The discourse was already not strong, and now there is no one to speak out for the national soccer team. In the absence of support, the hope of our soccer team to bid for the World Cup is getting slimmer and slimmer.
The World Cup in Qatar has just ended, and according to the rules, it will take at least three World Cups before the World Cup returns to Asia. If our country's soccer wants to host the World Cup, it must have the full support of the AFC. However, nowadays, there is no one in the AFC in our country's football association, and it is doubly saddening to see that the World Cup's support is naturally nowhere to be found.
In addition, Southeast Asian soccer power is increasingly rising, with North Korea occupying two seats on the FIFA council. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the national football team is no longer facing Japan and South Korea, but Southeast Asian teams. Fan Zhiyi has said that this time the national football team's opponents will be more severe.
In the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, our country managed to finish in the top ten, thanks to a draw that skillfully avoided Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, the fate of the national soccer team will be unpredictable in the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In the Qatar World Cup Top 40, our country struggled to advance and is just one step away from reaching the Top 12. If we can't get the last ticket in this qualifier, it will be difficult for our national soccer team to break through even in the last 36 matches. Du Zhaocai's defeat has left our soccer unsupported in the AFC. At this moment, we should put down our burdens and focus on developing our internal skills and improving our strength is the key.
