Chinese men's national football team players Zhang Yuning (left) and Wei Shihao warm up during a training session in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on January 5, 2026. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

The Chinese men's national football team kicked off its first training camp of 2026 under newly appointed head coach Shao Jiayi, as the squad looks to rebuild and prepare for future international competition, including the 2027 Asia Cup and the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. 

Shao, who took charge of the team in November 2025, has emphasized reestablishing confidence within the team and setting a clear objective for them: qualifying for the World Cup. 

Among the 26 players called up for this camp are seasoned keeper Yan Junling, 24-year-old midfielder Lü Zhuoyi, and long-serving 29-year-old forward Zhang Yuning.  

Yan, who has amassed over 60 caps for the national team and established himself as one of the country's most reliable goalkeepers at the club and international level, said that as "a senior in the national team" he will try to "help the younger players integrate into the team more quickly."

Yan stressed that no matter the occasion, be it a warm-up match, official game or training, he will play his part and "fulfill his responsibilities." He echoed head coach Shao's message by reaffirming the national team's overriding ambition: "The goal is clear: to qualify for the World Cup." 

Yu Hanchao, a former player with Shanghai Shenhua who retired last season, has also joined the team's coaching staff. 

"It feels really special and exciting that coach Yu, who scored on me as an opponent last season, has now become part of our national team coaching staff," Yan said. "Now the national team needs excellent players to help cultivate Chinese football." 

As a veteran, he also down played the competition among keepers. 

"There is no competition within the national team. As long as everything is for the good of the national team, I will dedicate everything I have," Yan told the Global Times. 

For 24-year-old Lü of Dalian Yingbo, earning a call-up to the national team represents a major personal milestone. 

Lü described the national team opportunity as "very honorable" and said he hopes to "win every match" with the team. He admitted that his early impressions of Shao as a tough coach changed quickly. 

"At first I thought he was a hard-nosed coach… but after interacting with him, I found he's very interesting, joking around with us and very approachable," Lü said. 

He emphasized his eagerness to learn from the "older brothers" on the national team and insisted that within the squad "there is no competition, whoever plays will fight for the country without hesitation." 

Forward Zhang, now entering his 10th year on the national team, framed this period as crucial for the future. 

"This year is very important for us as we need to achieve better rankings in Asia," said Zhang, who plays for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League and has been a key attacking figure for China at major qualifiers and tournaments.

Zhang spoke about the structure of the early days of the camp, with fitness work and assessments designed to prepare the squad for a demanding cycle ahead. 

"From the first day, it was clear why we are here. We are all advancing toward the World Cup goal," he said.

"The national team keeps bringing in fresh blood to push the veteran players and maintain our hunger for victory."