7 Players Dropped, 2 New Additions! China’s National Team Surprises with Key Reinforcements and a Full-Strength Squad

The Final List: A Battle-Ready Squad for Crucial Matches

On March 16, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) officially announced the latest 27-man squad for the national team. Compared to the 32-player list released two weeks earlier, this final selection brought major surprises, including the long-awaited inclusion of naturalized star Serginho, along with a reshuffled midfield that could redefine China’s tactical approach.

With two must-win matches ahead—against Saudi Arabia on March 21 and Australia on March 25—head coach Branko Ivanković has now finalized his warriors for battle.

China currently sits bottom of Group C in the 18-team World Cup qualifying stage, but the margins are razor-thin. With Japan (16 points) pulling away, the fight for the second qualification spot is wide open. Australia (7 points), Indonesia (6 points), Saudi Arabia (6 points), Bahrain (6 points), and China (6 points) are all within touching distance of each other.

For China, these next two fixtures are life or death. Ivanković’s final squad adjustments reflect this high-stakes reality, with seven players cut and two crucial reinforcements added.

Who’s Out? The 7 Players Dropped

Seven players from the initial 32-man squad failed to make the cut for the final roster:

• Goalkeeper: Han Jiaqi

• Defenders: Wu Shaocong, Liu Haofan, Wang Shiqin

• Midfielders: Huang Zhengyu, Xu Bin

• Forward: Hou Yongyong

The exclusions indicate Ivanković’s intent to streamline his squad, keeping only the players he trusts to deliver on the big stage. Some were left out due to fitness concerns, while others simply didn’t fit into the tactical blueprint.

Who’s In? The 2 Reinforcements That Could Change Everything

Despite dropping seven names, China also gained two major additions:

• Serginho (Meiguo Mingzi: Sai Er Ji Niao) – The Brazilian-born attacking midfielder, who recently completed his naturalization process, joins the squad for the first time.

• Li Yuanyi – The experienced Shandong Taishan midfielder, who was previously excluded due to injury, returns to provide stability in midfield.

These two additions could prove game-changing, strengthening the team in two of its most crucial areas: attack and midfield control.

The 3 Biggest Surprises in the Final Squad

The final selection has sparked excitement among Chinese football fans, as three major surprises emerged:

1. Serginho’s Arrival – China’s New Offensive Playmaker

The most headline-grabbing inclusion is undoubtedly Serginho, who finally completes his naturalization process just in time for China’s most important qualifiers.

• At €1.8 million, he is now the most valuable player in the squad.

• As a natural No. 10, he will likely become the new attacking focal point for Ivanković’s system.

• His technical ability, creativity, and vision could transform China’s stagnant attack.

China has long struggled to find a true playmaker, relying heavily on Wu Lei for goals. But with Wu Lei injured, Serginho’s inclusion is a timely boost.

Could this be the missing piece China has been searching for?

2. Young Blood: Wang Yudong & Liu Chengyu Keep Their Spots

Despite being just 18 years old, Wang Yudong and Liu Chengyu have retained their places in the squad, a clear sign of Ivanković’s confidence in youth.

• Both youngsters were disappointed at the U20 Asian Cup but now have a chance for redemption at the senior level.

• Their inclusion signals China’s commitment to long-term development, even in the midst of a tense qualifying campaign.

• If they perform well, they could cement their place in China’s setup for years to come.

China has often been criticized for favoring veteran players over young talents. But Ivanković’s decision suggests that he is not afraid to take risks.

Could one of these two teenagers become a breakout star?

3. The Return of Li Yuanyi – Midfield Stability Restored

China’s midfield has been a problem area for years. With a lack of ball-winners, press-resistant players, and deep-lying playmakers, the team has often struggled to maintain control against stronger opposition.

That’s why Li Yuanyi’s return is so crucial.

• Initially left out due to knee issues, his recall confirms that he is now fully fit.

• He provides balance—capable of both defensive duties and progressive passing.

• His experience could prove vital against the likes of Saudi Arabia and Australia.

With Serginho ahead of him as an attacking outlet, Li Yuanyi could be the missing link China’s midfield has desperately needed.

China’s Strongest Lineup: A Full-Strength Squad at Last

With these reinforcements, China has now assembled what is arguably its strongest possible squad—barring the injuries to Wu Lei and Zhu Chenjie.

This is the team that must carry the nation’s hopes in the coming weeks. Failure is not an option.

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

GK: Yan Junling
RB: Wang Gang
CB: Jiang Guangtai
CB: Zhu Chenjie (if fit) / Li Ang
LB: Li Lei
CM: Li Yuanyi
CM: He Chao
CAM: Serginho
RW: Liu Chengyu
LW: Wang Yudong
ST: Ai Kesen

This lineup blends experience with youthful energy, offering a mix of stability and attacking firepower.

A Nation’s Hopes on the Line – Will China Rise to the Occasion?

Chinese football has been trapped in a cycle of hope and disappointment for decades. Now, with only four matches left in the 18-team qualifying stage, there is no room for error.

Everything comes down to these next two matches:

• March 21 – Away vs. Saudi Arabia (2:15 AM Beijing Time)

• March 25 – Home vs. Australia (7:00 PM Beijing Time)

Win both, and China’s World Cup dream remains alive. Lose, and the campaign could be over.

With Serginho stepping in as the new playmaker, Li Yuanyi restoring midfield balance, and young talents getting their shot, China’s fate is now in its own hands.

Will they seize the moment—or let another opportunity slip away?