China's national football team is hitting the reset button after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced Friday that head coach Branko Ivanković has been let go following the team's failure to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. 🌍⚽
What Happened?
Ivanković's contract was automatically terminated after China fell short in the Asian qualifiers, dashing hopes for a seventh World Cup appearance. The CFA thanked the Croatian coach for his 'dedicated efforts' but emphasized the need for change. 🛑
Who's Stepping In?
Serbian coach Dejan Djurdjević, who led China's U-20 team to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup quarterfinals earlier this year, will take over as caretaker manager. His first challenge? The upcoming EAFF E-1 Football Championship—a crucial test for rebuilding the squad. 🔄🇨🇳
What's Next?
Soccer fans worldwide are watching to see if this shake-up can revive China's football ambitions. With young talent on the rise and Djurdjević's track record, could this be the start of a new era? ⏳✨
