CHINA DARES TO DREAM

CHINESE state media hailed FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams from 2026, saying it could help realise the country’s “dream” of returning to the sport’s grandest stage. Official news agency Xinhua said that FIFA’s decision was an opportunity for China. “Even if the levels of skill and strategy in the Chinese men’s football do not grow in leaps and bounds by 2026, the initial objectives of (China’s) football reform will have been realised,” said the commentary issued yesterday. “By then, with the added bonus of World Cup expansion, it is highly possible that China’s return to the World Cup will no longer be just a dream.” Chinese Super League clubs, encouraged by football fan President Xi Jinping’s vision of turning China into a one of the game’s superpowers, have broken the Asian transfer record five times in less than a year. Xi has set a target of hosting and winning a World Cup.