How China’s World Cup dream unraveled – and how it’s slowly growing again

China's national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup has left fans disappointed, but it's sparking a grassroots soccer revival. Amateur players, including delivery drivers and villagers, are now captivating audiences in packed stadiums across the country. This burgeoning enthusiasm indicates a growing interest in soccer at the grassroots level, suggesting that while the national team may be struggling, the sport's popularity and local enthusiasm are on the rise. This shift could have long-term implications for soccer's development in China.