Wu Lei returns for China's critical World Cup qualifiers

Star forward Wu Lei is set to return to the national team from injury as China announced a 27-player roster on Thursday for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Indonesia and Bahrain.

Wu Lei (L) of China controls the ball during an international freindly match between New Zealand and China in Auckland, New Zealand, March 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

Wu, who had been sidelined for months with a severe knee injury, missed six consecutive World Cup qualifying matches since last October. He returned to the pitch in April and scored his first goal of the season last Saturday.

Also included in the squad for the first time is 29-year-old naturalized midfielder Yang Mingyang from Chengdu Rongcheng. Yang previously represented Switzerland at youth international level.

China is scheduled to face Indonesia away on June 5 before hosting Bahrain in Chongqing on June 10.

With two rounds remaining, China and Bahrain both sit on six points, three behind group leader Indonesia. The Chinese team must win both matches to qualify for the playoff round of the Asian qualifiers.

The 27-man roster is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Yan Junling, Liu Dianzuo, Wang Dalei;

Defenders: Jiang Guangtai, Wei Zhen, Yang Zexiang, Zhu Chenjie, Han Pengfei, Hu Hetao, Li Lei, Wu Shaocong, Wang Shiqin;

Midfielders: Xu Haoyang, Yang Mingyang, Cao Yongjing, Sai Erjiniao, Huang Zhengyu, Xie Wenneng, Wang Shangyuan;

Forwards: Wu Lei, Liu Ruofan, Liu Chengyu, Wei Shihao, Wang Ziming, Zhang Yuning, Lin Liangming, Wang Yudong.