China Launches Search for New National Football Coach
China Opens Applications for Men’s National Team Head Coach
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has officially initiated its search for a new head coach to lead the men’s national football team. On September 5, 2025, the CFA announced the opening of applications for this critical position, signaling a renewed commitment to elevate the team’s performance on the international stage. The window for submitting applications will be open until September 20, 2025, providing a two-week period for interested candidates to apply.
CFA Sets Ambitious Target: 2030 FIFA World Cup Qualification
The CFA’s primary objective with this appointment is clear: secure qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. After falling short in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the association is determined to chart a new course for the national team. The new head coach will be tasked with implementing a forward-thinking football philosophy and building a disciplined, competitive squad capable of meeting this high-stakes target.
Eligibility Criteria and Expectations for Applicants
The CFA has outlined seven specific criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for the role. Among the most important requirements is previous experience as a head coach in major international tournaments or in top professional leagues in Europe or Asia. This stipulation underscores the CFA’s desire to attract seasoned professionals with a proven track record at the highest levels of the sport.
Other requirements include a general age limit of under 60 years old, although exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates. Notably, the CFA has not imposed any restrictions on nationality, opening the door to both domestic and international coaches. The association expects the new coach to not only raise the team’s FIFA ranking but also to foster a proactive and disciplined playing style that will enhance the team’s competitiveness on the world stage.
Context: Recent Performance and Leadership Changes
This search for a new head coach comes in the wake of China’s disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The team’s failure to advance led to the dismissal of former head coach Branko Ivankovic in June 2025. Since then, Dejan Djurdjevic has served as caretaker manager, guiding the squad through the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship in July.
The CFA’s decision to open up the selection process reflects a broader effort to revitalize the national team and restore its competitive edge. The association is seeking a leader who can bring stability, instill discipline, and inspire both players and fans alike.
Upcoming Challenges: 2027 AFC Asian Cup on the Horizon
The newly appointed coach will face an immediate test with the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia. This tournament will offer the new manager a crucial opportunity to assess the squad, implement tactical changes, and lay the groundwork for the long-term goal of World Cup qualification. Success in the Asian Cup could serve as a springboard for the team’s ambitions, boosting morale and confidence ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
China’s Football Ambitions: Building for the Future
China’s renewed focus on football development is part of a larger national strategy to enhance the country’s presence in the sport. Over the past decade, significant investments have been made in youth academies, infrastructure, and domestic leagues. However, translating these efforts into consistent success at the international level has proven challenging.
The CFA’s open and transparent approach to selecting the next head coach is designed to attract the best possible candidates and to signal a commitment to merit-based appointments. By prioritizing experience, tactical acumen, and leadership skills, the association hopes to lay a solid foundation for future success.
International Interest and Potential Candidates
Given the prestige and challenges associated with the role, the head coach position is expected to attract interest from both established and emerging managers worldwide. The absence of nationality restrictions ensures a diverse pool of applicants, potentially including coaches with experience in top European leagues, successful stints in Asian football, or a history of leading national teams in major tournaments.
The CFA has not disclosed whether it will consider candidates from within China’s domestic league system, but the emphasis on international experience suggests that a global search is underway. The final selection will likely hinge on the candidate’s vision for the team, ability to develop young talent, and track record of achieving results under pressure.
Conclusion: A New Era for Chinese Football
As the application process unfolds, Chinese football fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see who will be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team into a new era. The CFA’s ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup sets a high bar, but with the right leadership and strategic planning, China hopes to become a regular contender on the world stage.
For more information on the application process and the CFA’s announcement, visit the official Chinese Football Association website:
Chinese Football Association Official Site.
Additional coverage can be found at:
Reuters: China Football Association Opens Applications for Men’s National Team Coach.