China Sack Head Coach Branko Ivankovic After Failed World Cup Qualification Bid

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has dismissed national team head coach Branko Ivankovic following the team’s elimination from the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the association announced on Friday.

The 71-year-old Croatian’s departure comes after China finished fifth in Group C of the Asian qualifiers, ending their hopes of reaching the 48-team finals set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“The Chinese Football Association expresses gratitude to Mr. Branko Ivankovic and his coaching staff for their dedicated efforts during their tenure with the men’s national team and their contributions to Chinese football,” the CFA said in a statement. “We wish Mr. Ivankovic all the best in his future work and life.”

Ivankovic, who previously led Iran at the 2006 World Cup, was appointed as China’s coach in February 2024, replacing Aleksandar Jankovic. He successfully guided the team into the third phase of qualifying.

Despite a campaign that included wins over Indonesia and Bahrain, crucial losses to Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, followed by a decisive defeat against Indonesia on June 5, ultimately extinguished any prospect of advancing to the next round.

The CFA has appointed Dejan Djurdjevic as caretaker coach for the upcoming East Asian Championship in South Korea next month. Djurdjevic recently led China’s Under-20 team to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup.

China’s only appearance at a men’s FIFA World Cup remains their debut at the 2002 tournament.