World Cup 2026 qualifiers: skipper Zhang Linpeng makes retirement U-turn as China host Singapore in must-win match
- Zhang had quit the national team last Thursday because of the ‘humiliation’ of not beating Singapore, labelling the performance ‘a disgrace’
- The 34-year-old has reportedly apologised to his teammates for his remarks after the game and vows to give his all in the return match on Tuesday
China captain Zhang Linpeng has had a change of heart, days after quitting the national team because of the “humiliation” of not beating Singapore in a World Cup qualifier.
Zhang has also reportedly apologised to his teammates for his remarks after Thursday’s game, where China squandered a 2-0 lead to end up drawing 2-2, a performance the 34-year-old labelled “a disgrace”.
With a second Group C clash against their opponents on Tuesday, Zhang is expected to play in a game China must win to keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.
“As long as the country still needs me, I will give my all and persevere till the end,” he said.
“After two days of serious contemplation, I realise that retirement is not the only option. Whether as a starter or a substitute, or even if I can’t play, as long as I can contribute to the national team, as long as the country still needs me, I will give my all and persevere to the end.”
Zhang’s emotional response in the aftermath of the game may also have had something to do with the part he played in Singapore’s equaliser, a fact he acknowledged when appearing on state broadcaster China Central Television’s Soccer Night programme.
“Those words I said immediately after the match clearly had a big impact on the team and the players,” the defender said. “In fact, what I wanted to say – but maybe I didn’t handle it the right way – was that my own mistake put the team into that situation [in the game].”
Known as China’s answer to Sergio Ramos because he plays at centre-back and has numerous tattoos, Zhang’s immediate response after the game had been to say it was time to quit international football.
“I thought about it for a long while. I think it’s time to end my national team career,” he said after the game. “We could not even beat the Singapore team. I think it’s unacceptable, and I find it humiliating”
China host Singapore on Tuesday in Tianjin and are third in their World Cup qualifying group. Only the top two advance to the final stage on the road to 2026.
South Korea top the group and are poised to go through. China and Thailand are tied on four points, but the Thais have a better goal difference.
