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

While China's professional teams continue to miss the mark on the global stage, a grassroots soccer movement is gaining momentum within the country. As the World Cup captivates North America, Chinese fans are rallying behind amateur players who come from unexpected backgrounds, such as delivery drivers and villagers, who are now competing in bustling local stadiums. This burgeoning passion signals a potential resurgence in soccer's popularity in China, offering a glimpse of a more inclusive and diverse future for the sport within the nation.