In a surprise move this Friday, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced the dismissal of national team head coach Branko Ivankovic after China narrowly missed out on the playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The termination was automatic under the terms of Ivankovic's contract, which called for an exit if the team failed to advance.
The CFA released an official statement expressing its gratitude to Ivankovic and his coaching staff for their dedicated efforts and contributions to Chinese football, and wishing them the best in their future work and life.
Stepping in as caretaker manager is Dejan Djurdjevic, the Serbian coach who guided China's U-20 national team to the quarterfinals of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup earlier this year. Djurdjevic is set to lead the senior side at the upcoming East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship, offering a fresh perspective as the squad looks to regroup.
For Ivankovic, a veteran coach with a decorated resume, this marks the end of a tenure that began amid high hopes for reviving China's fortunes on the global stage. While the failure to reach the playoff round was a setback, the CFA's swift decision signals a broader push to reboot strategy and performance ahead of future tournaments.
With the E-1 Championship on the horizon, fans and analysts alike will be watching how Djurdjevic's experience at youth level translates to the senior team. The tournament will serve as both a platform for tactical experimentation and a litmus test for China's long-term vision in international football.
As the search for a permanent head coach begins, the CFA faces the challenge of balancing immediate results with sustainable growth – an approach that resonates with globally minded audiences eager for fresh ideas and data-driven decisions in the beautiful game.
Reference(s):
CFA sacks coach Ivankovic after China's World Cup qualifying failure
cgtn.com
