Wei Di, China’s football director, said the country would bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the announcement, debate has flared across the country. Is it possible for China to host the World Cup? Here are the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

1. Football market

According to statistics from FIFA, the World Cup has nearly surpassed the Olympic Games as the most profitable sporting event in the world. FIFA makes a big profit by selling the broadcasting rights to the World Cup. Taking this factor into consideration, China’s large market will definitely appeal to FIFA.

2. Experience and facilities

China has plenty of experience hosting international sporting events like the Olympic Games, the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. Besides, China has high-class stadiums in many big cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin and Wuhan.

Disadvantages:

1. China has no voice in FIFA.

The Executive Committee of FIFA, which consists of a president elected by the congress, eight vice presidents and 15 members, has the right to determine the dates, locations and format of tournaments. China is not currently represented in this committee.

As the 2008 Olympiad shows, having a voice is important. He Zhenliang served as the vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and played an important role in China’s bidding for the 2008 Olympic Games.

However, in the world of football, it is another case. Chinese football is at a low level and has a poor image. China’s bid for the World Cup will receive little support from other countries. Some Chinese fans are even worried China will become the worst host in history.

2. Strong Asian competitors A rule that went into effect in 2006 states countries from different continents will take turns hosting the World Cup. The fiercest competition for the World Cup will come from China’s neighbors. Japan, South Korea and Australia have all expressed a desire to host the 2026 World Cup.