China unveil 32-man squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers, blooding five rising stars

China have announced their 32-player roster for decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Australia, introducing five debutants including three U23 defensive prospects and two U20 strikers.  

Defensive trio Liu Haofan, Wang Shiqin, and Xu Bin, all aged 23 or under, join 2006-born forwards Wang Yudong and Liu Chengyu in earning their first senior call-ups. The squad notably excludes 2024 Chinese Men's Footballer of the Year Wu Lei and starting center-back Zhu Chenjie, both sidelined by injuries.  

Yunnan Yukun's naturalized striker Hou Yongyong is poised for his international debut as China seek offensive solutions. Team Dragon face Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on March 20 before returning to Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, to host Australia on March 25.  

With four group stage matches remaining, China currently sit bottom in Group C with six points – level with Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Bahrain, but trailing second-placed Australia by a single point. Japan dominate the group with 16 points.