体坛英语新闻：China analyzing feasibility of 2026 World Cup bid

QINHUANGDAO, Hebei Province, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Football Association (CFA) is analyzing the feasibility of a bid for the 2026 World Cup, CFA head Wei Di said on Saturday.

"We are studying the feasibility of the bid and have yet to submit the request to the State General Administration of Sports (the Sports Ministry) for approval to proceed with a formal bid," Wei told Xinhua on the sidelines of a CFA meeting here.

Wei, fresh from his trip to South Africa for this year's tournament, said he was moved to see all the social benefits South Africa got from hosting the 2010 World Cup.

"Personally speaking, I think China has no reason not to bid and now is the best time for bidding," he said.

"If we succeed in the 2026 World Cup bid, I believe it would produce great changes to Chinese soccer."

China did not qualify for this year's World Cup in South Africa. Its only appearance in soccer's premier event came in 2002.