Chongqing - The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on April 14 that Chongqing’s Longxing Football Stadium will host China’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on June 10. 

The Longxing Football Stadium in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui, Visual Chongqing)

This match, China’s final game in the third round of the Asian qualifiers, holds immense significance for both the team and the host city. It is set to be a defining moment in the history of football in Chongqing, igniting enthusiasm and expectations for the sport's future in the region.

The decision follows a comprehensive selection process, including public submissions, evaluation by member associations, and approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). After careful consideration, Chongqing was chosen over other candidate cities, including Changchun, Changsha, Guiyang, Haikou, Hohhot, Jinan, Nanjing, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wenzhou, Xi’an, and Yuxi. The CFA emphasized that the selection was based on the principle of providing the national team with the best possible match conditions, with full respect for the team’s preferences.

Longxing Football Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility in Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, offers a perfect venue for the match. Completed in December 2022, it is the city’s first professional football stadium and one of the largest in China, with a seating capacity of 60,000. Designed with the fan experience in mind, the stadium features a reduced distance between the stands and the pitch, meeting FIFA’s minimum requirements. The layout also optimizes sightlines, ensuring clear views from all seats, even from the upper tiers. These features will create an electric atmosphere, providing both the national team and their supporters with an unforgettable experience.

Chongqing’s football fan base is renowned for its passion, and the announcement has already sparked excitement. Fans from Chongqing and neighboring provinces are expected to flood the stadium, and social media discussions are growing as supporters anticipate the game. The success of previous events, like the March qualifier in Hangzhou, which attracted 70,000 spectators and generated over 300 million yuan (about 41 million U.S. dollars) in local economic activity, highlights the potential for Chongqing to benefit from significant tourism and retail boosts.

Beyond matchday revenues, hosting this World Cup qualifier will have a broader economic impact, spurring growth in hospitality, transportation, retail, and more. The event also provides an opportunity to promote Chongqing as a tourist destination. Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, rich culinary traditions, and deep historical roots, Chongqing is set to leverage the global attention brought by the match to enhance its international profile.

This World Cup qualifier represents a landmark opportunity for Chongqing to showcase its urban charm, support football development, and boost its economy. Fans and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting June 10, when Longxing Football Stadium will take center stage in Asian football.

(Nie Jing, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)