China named Fifa Women’s world cup squad 2023

China is targeting a quarterfinal spot in the Women’s World Cup after coach Shui Qingxia named her 23-player squad.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Football Association told Reuters on Thursday that the squad will leave for Adelaide on Friday, where they will be based during the tournament.

The Chinese squad for the competition, which will take place from July 20 to Aug. 20, features nine players with World Cup experience, including captain Wang Shanshan and star striker Wang Shuang.

China, runners-up in 1999, were knocked out in the round of 16 at the last Asian Cup in France, but have high hopes heading into this year’s showpiece.

“We must understand that the World Cup and Asian Cup are entirely different, it’s going to be much more challenging,” state media outlet Xinhua quoted her as saying on Wednesday.

“No matter what unfolds in the World Cup, I hope my players can face challenges with a smile,” the former midfielder, who took over as head coach in late 2021, told reporters.

On July 22, China will play Denmark in Perth before facing Haiti and England in Group D.

China squad

Goalkeepers:

Zhu Yu, Xu Huan, Pan Hongyan

Defenders:

Wu Haiyan, Yao Wei, Wang Linlin, Gao Chen, Chen Qiaozhu, Li Mengwen, Dou Jiaxing

Midfielders:

Zhang Rui, Yao Lingwei, Gu Yasha, Zhang Xin, Yang Lina, Wu Chengshu, Zhang Linyan, Shen Mengyu

Forwards:

Wang Shanshan, Wang Shuang, Tang Jiali, Xiao Yuyi, Lou Jiahui