Countdown to China Women’s National Team Head Coach Decision! Five Candidates Revealed, Chang Weiwei Emerges as Clear Frontrunner

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Countdown to China Women’s National Team Head Coach Decision! Five Candidates Revealed, Chang Weiwei Emerges as Clear Frontrunner

After China’s women’s national team exited the Asian Cup in the semifinals, head coach Milić’s future remains uncertain. With the Asian Games approaching this September, the new coach would have less than six months to integrate the team if a change is made—any decision must be finalized soon.

According to Football Daily, five candidates have emerged: Chang Weiwei, Shui Qingxia, Wang Jun, Chan Yuen-ting, and Colin Bell. Among them, Chang Weiwei’s advantages are nearly overwhelming.

Chang Weiwei: An Impressive Résumé

  • Led Wuhan Women’s team to the Women’s Super League title, National Championship, and FA Cup in the past two seasons

  • Seamless connection with the national team: has coached key players including Wu Haiyan, Wang Shuang, and Zhang Linyan

  • Promoted goalkeeper Chen Chen to the national team

  • Served as first assistant coach for the women’s national team at the 2015 Canada World Cup—extensive international tournament experience

  • Previously recommended by a CFA internal vote as a candidate to take over the head coach role

Comparison of Other Candidates:

  • Shui Qingxia: Asian Cup champion pedigree, but already a former head coach

  • Chan Yuen-ting: National Games gold medal, but relatively limited international tournament experience

  • Wang Jun: Focused on youth national teams, lacks top-level senior team championship experience

  • Colin Bell: Solid results with U20 team, but as a foreign coach, would require more time to integrate

Two questions remain: Will the CFA make a coaching change? And if so, will they go with the candidate who appears to be the natural choice?