According to a report from Oriental Sports Daily, although the Chinese men’s football team secured a relatively favorable Group C draw for the 2027 Asian Cup (alongside Iran, Syria, and Kyrgyzstan), the choice of friendly opponents has sparked discussion among observers.
The report notes that the current plan for China’s warm-up matches features mostly Southeast Asian teams, which are typically more technical in style and lack the physical intensity seen in Asian Cup group stage opponents like Iran, Syria, and Kyrgyzstan. The newspaper stated directly: “The friendly opponents are not of a hard-nosed style, so whether adjustments are needed is worth debating.”
Analysis suggests that Iran and Syria are known for their strength and aggressive play, while Kyrgyzstan also represents a physically imposing style. If the team continues to play warm-up matches against similar Southeast Asian opponents, it will be difficult for the national team to adapt to the real intensity of Asian Cup competition. The report recommends that the coaching staff, during the June and September-October warm-up windows, should arrange practice games against teams with stronger physicality and faster pace to better prepare for the Asian Cup group stage.
Currently, the Chinese national team under coach Shao Jiayi is in a critical phase of Asian Cup preparation. The favorable draw has brought hope, but whether the choice of friendly opponents is adjusted in time will directly impact the team’s performance in the tournament.
