Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” Stadium to Host China’s Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier
Hangzhou, China, is set to become the center of the soccer world in March 2025. The city’s remarkable Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, nicknamed the “Big Lotus,” has been selected to host the Chinese national team’s opening match in the third phase of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. This highly anticipated match against Australia on March 25th marks a significant milestone for Chinese football.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced the decision on December 23rd,following a competitive bidding process involving 11 cities. The CFA cited Hangzhou’s favorable climate and strong community support as key factors in their selection. “The Football Association took into account factors such as climate and social benefits and comprehensively selected Hangzhou,” the CFA stated in their official declaration.
Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” stadium, renowned for hosting the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games, boasts a seating capacity of 80,000. While it hasn’t previously hosted international football matches, it’s state-of-the-art facilities and convenient public transportation network promise a seamless experience for fans. This selection underscores Hangzhou’s growing reputation as a premier sporting destination.
Hangzhou’s recent success in hosting major sporting events further solidified its candidacy. The city has already hosted 28 international and over 70 national events this year alone. The recent Badminton World Federation year-end finals, which drew nearly 90,000 spectators over five days, with attendance exceeding 90% for the semi-finals and finals, showcased the city’s ability to handle large-scale events. The upcoming World Cup qualifier will undoubtedly add to this impressive track record.
Following the announcement, the CFA and relevant Asian Football Confederation (AFC) agencies will conduct thorough inspections of the stadium’s facilities, security measures, media infrastructure, and hospitality arrangements. Their goal is to ensure a world-class surroundings for both the players and the spectators.
This event is not only significant for Chinese football but also highlights Hangzhou’s ambition to become a leading international hub for sports and major events. The city’s commitment to hosting such prestigious competitions positions it as a key player on the global sporting stage,mirroring the ambitions of other major U.S. cities that strive to host significant international events.
