China is aiming to build a world-class football team by 2050. A plan has been released by several government agencies, including the country’s top economic planner and the China Football Association. The plan sets the mid- and long-term goals for the Chinese football industry.  

A 14-page plan outlined a multi-decade vision to turn Team Dragon, currently ranked 81 in the world by FIFA, into an elite team. To do so, China plans to build 70,000 football fields by 2020, giving access to more than 50 million Chinese people to play football on a regular basis.

The government will also support more than 20,000 schools to specialize in football education. This means more than 30 million young students in elementary schools and middle schools across China will get systematic football education and training.

The plan says, by 2030, there will be a football field for every 10,000 Chinese people. The football industry is also intended to be a key growth engine for China’s overall sports sector.

Authorities hope Chinese professional football teams can become Asia's best teams in 15 years.

In the meantime, the Chinese national female football team can regain its place among the world’s top teams, and the male national team can try to become one of Asia's top ones.

Enterprises will also play an important role in boosting China’s football sector. The plan says enterprises shall create two to three football clubs, which could become Asia’s leading and even globally renowned professional clubs. And qualified football clubs are encouraged to register in order to access more funding in the future.

Experts say the plan provides a more precise timeline and specific targets for developing China’s football industry. But the implementation of the plan will also be very important.