Proposed AFC Nations League Reforms Could End Hong Kong's World Cup Ambitions
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Despite Hong Kong's triumph at the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup on Saturday, proposed reforms by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) could severely impact their World Cup qualification hopes . The AFC is set to unveil plans for a new Nations League that would restructure pathways to both the Asian Cup and World Cup finals, with the changes beginning in 2030 . With Hong Kong currently ranked 30th in Asia and 153rd globally, the proposed changes would likely relegate them to the second division . Players and officials now face the daunting task of achieving a top-two finish in the 2030-31 Nations League just to have any chance at reaching the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia .
Key Points
- Hong Kong secured victory in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup by beating Cambodia, providing a morale boost under new head coach Roberto Losada
- Star midfielder Sun Ming-him acknowledged the team must improve their FIFA ranking step by step to be ready for upcoming qualifiers
- The proposed AFC Nations League would divide Asian teams into first and second divisions of 18 teams each, with 11 lowest-ranked sides in a third tier
- All 18 top-tier teams would receive guaranteed spots in the Asian Cup finals, with only six additional berths available from the second division
- Hong Kong must finish in the top two of the 2030-31 Nations League second division to gain promotion and earn a realistic chance at the 2034 World Cup
Why It Matters
The proposed restructuring represents a fundamental shift in how Asian nations can qualify for football's premier tournament, potentially closing the door on mid-tier teams like Hong Kong. For a city that has only rarely approached World Cup qualification, the new system would demand sustained excellence over multiple years just to remain in contention. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China has been approached for comment on the proposed changes .
The proposed restructuring represents a fundamental shift in how Asian nations can qualify for football's premier tournament, potentially closing the door on mid-tier teams like Hong Kong. For a city that has only rarely approached World Cup qualification, the new system would demand sustained excellence over multiple years just to remain in contention. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China has been approached for comment on the proposed changes .