The Chinese national football team is set to receive a boost with the inclusion of naturalized player Sai Erjiniao (Serginho) and two U-20 players in the 27-man roster for the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers. This move is expected to bring fresh energy and new possibilities to the team.
Sai, a 30-year-old midfielder born in Brazil, recently obtained Chinese nationality. He currently plays for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League and has been called up by head coach Branko Ivankovic for the first time. His debut for China is anticipated in the upcoming World Cup Asian qualifiers. China is scheduled to face Saudi Arabia in an away game, followed by a home game against Australia.
The addition of Sai is anticipated to strengthen China's midfield. His experience and technical skills are expected to enhance the team's creativity and control during these crucial matches. Sai is expected to play a key role in the midfield, potentially addressing the team's weakness of losing possession in high-intensity matches and providing more attacking options. His impact was evident in a recent friendly match against Kuwait, where he delivered several key passes after coming on as a substitute.
In addition to Sai, two young players, Wang Yudong and Liu Chengyu, who made their mark in the U-20 Asian Cup, have also been included in the roster. Their energy and enthusiasm are seen as valuable assets for the team, potentially bringing a different dynamism to the game. Their inclusion reflects the team's commitment to nurturing homegrown talents and striking a balance between naturalized players and sustainable growth.
Coach Ivankovic has expressed his excitement about Sai's integration into the team, emphasizing his desire to maximize his value. He also highlighted the importance of the young players' performance in the league when selecting the roster. The coach hopes that these young players can quickly adapt to the national team's preparation and become reliable forces for the team.
With four rounds remaining, China is currently in a tightly contested Group C. The team is tied with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, and is just one point behind second-placed Australia. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the World Cup finals, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will advance to the next stage of qualifiers.
9 Comments
Karamba
Excited to see Sai in action! He's proven himself in the CSL, and he'll be a great addition.
Rotfront
This is just a band-aid solution. The problems with Chinese football run much deeper than just a lack of talented players.
Matzomaster
The team is more balanced with naturalized players like Sai and the younger players. I believe we can reach the next level.
Rotfront
This is a step in the right direction. We need more creativity in the midfield, and Sai can help us get it.
Matzomaster
Fantastic news! Bringing in fresh talent is exactly what we need to improve our performance in the qualifiers.
Habibi
This doesn't feel like a Chinese national team anymore. It's a collection of players from different countries.
Muchacha
The quality of our country's talent needs attention now, and hopefully, soon the naturalized players are no longer needed.
Mariposa
Another naturalized player? This just highlights the lack of homegrown talent. Where's the investment in youth academies?
Bermudez
Focusing on foreign players takes away opportunities that homegrown players deserve.