The Chinese Football Association is will launch a national esports team focused on virtual football competitions. This move comes amid the men’s national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it might represent a fresh angle for China’s football ambitions.
According to a notice from the federation, the team will participate in tournaments sanctioned by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The association has detailed the requirements for cooperation zones, including training facilities, logistics, and funding to support international event attendance.
Host cities interested in backing the national team will need to provide infrastructure suitable for both practice and competition. The deadline to submit a letter of intent is July 29th, 2025. It’s curious how this initiative might affect China’s presence in esports football, especially since the traditional side has struggled recently.
Football Esports In China
China already boasts one of the largest esports markets worldwide, with teams excelling in titles like League of Legends and Dota 2. The country has also moved into football esports territory. For instance, the Premier League partnered with Tencent back in 2021 to bring the ePremier League to the region.
Also, China hosts the FC Online China Pro League, an FC Online competition tied to the EA Sports FC ecosystem. Though with FIFA’s recent split from EA, it’s unclear whether the new national esports team will compete in that particular football title or another.
On the business side, Wolves Esports, the esports wing of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, is expanding in China. After securing investment from Chongqing Lvfa Industrial Group Co., Ltd (Lvfa Group), they are building a sizable 10,000-square-foot esports facility in the region.
It’s interesting how traditional football institutions are dipping into esports. Could this new Chinese national team become a powerhouse in virtual football? Or will it just be a side note compared to their real-world struggles? Only time will tell, but it’s a development worth watching.
What do you think about football federations investing in esports? Speak yourself in the comments below!
