Overseasidol.com — On the evening of June 5, the Chinese national football team suffered a crushing 0-1 defeat to Indonesia in an away match.
It effectively ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with one round of qualifiers still remaining.
The match result sparked widespread criticism among fans and public figures alike.
One notable voice was that of renowned Chinese actor and football enthusiast Pan Yueming.
Taking to social media shortly after the game, he remarked with thinly veiled sarcasm.
“Even with 48 slots in the World Cup, we still can’t make it. Guess we’ll just have to play among ourselves at home… Keep going,” he said.
Pan Yueming, known for his passion for football, has frequently commented on the national team’s performances in the past.
His recent remarks reflect a growing sentiment of frustration and disillusionment shared by many Chinese football fans, who once again witnessed their national team fall short on the global stage.
The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature an expanded format of 48 teams, a move expected to increase opportunities for countries like China.
