Branko Ivanković Fired as China National Football Team Coach Following 2026 World Cup Qualification Breakdown

Branko Ivanković Sacked as China Coach After 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Failure

Branko Ivanković Fired as China National Football Team Coach Following 2026 World Cup Qualification Breakdown

In China football news breaking, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has officially brought an end to Branko Ivanković's contract as China national football team head coach following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

71-year-old Croatian Ivanković was sent packing following a dismal qualifying campaign that saw China exit in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, finishing behind South Korea and Thailand in their group.

Why Branko Ivanković Was Fired

Ivanković, who was appointed in January 2023, had been brought on board with high expectations of restoring China's football image overseas. Alas, China's qualifying campaign was very much criticized.

China lost a key game 1-0 to Thailand, which pretty much eliminated them from the running for the qualifying round that ensued.

"Consequently, owing to failure to achieve the target goal of advancement to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers, the CFA has now cancelled the contract of Head Coach Branko Ivanković with immediate effect," said a CFA statement.

Read full statement on Reuters

Dejan Djurdjevic Interim Coach

In return, the CFA appointed Dejan Djurdjevic as acting coach. A name that is well known in Chinese developmental football programs, Djurdjevic will lead the national team through the next East Asian Football Championship, to be contested in South Korea later this year.

Djurdjevic should hopefully bring in a new vision and a new focus on youth development and tactical responsibility.

Public and Expert Reactions

Chinese football fans responded with divided sentiments on social media platforms such as Weibo and Tencent Sports. Some of them welcome the decision, pointing to poor team selection and tactics under Ivanković. Others blame broader Chinese football issues such as youth development and local competition fieriness in Chinese domestic football.

"It's not solely about the coach," chimed in former international and TV commentator Li Weifeng. "Chinese football needs structural reform from the grass roots through to the professional ranks."

More responses via The Guardian

What This Means for China's 2030 World Cup Dream

With the 2026 campaign over, Chinese football can finally turn its attention to long-term development. This will involve an investment in football academies, enhanced training infrastructure, and improving the Chinese Super League.

Experts caution that perpetual coaching turnover will not address the root problems unless it is supported by profound reforms.

"China needs to adopt a modern football philosophy and allow coaches room to implement tactics," said sports commentator Wang Jun.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is the next huge chance, but it requires consistency, development of talent, and system change.

Conclusion

The sacking of Branko Ivanković is another turning point for Chinese fans, but unless structural issues are addressed, replacing coaches won't cut it. All eyes are now on Dejan Djurdjevic as he leads the team in the East Asian Football Championship, where the new beginning and brighter future may begin.


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