Hong Kong’s aspirations for qualifying for the FIFA World Cup may face significant hurdles as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is reportedly set to propose a new Nations League structure that would change the qualification pathways across Asia. The proposed system, expected to be introduced in 2030 after a pilot phase, would divide Asian teams into three tiers: a top division of 18 teams, a second tier of 18 teams, and a third tier for the continent’s lowest-ranked 11 sides. This format could effectively limit opportunities for teams like Hong Kong to compete at the highest levels.
Currently ranked 30th in Asia and 153rd globally, Hong Kong would likely be placed in the second division under the new arrangements. While the top 18 teams in the first division would automatically earn places in the 2032 Asian Cup finals, only six spots would be available from the second division. Moreover, for Hong Kong to qualify for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, the team must finish in the top two of the 2030-31 Nations League second tier to advance to the top tier, which will supply all nine Asian qualifiers for the tournament.
Hong Kong’s Football Association has yet to comment on the restructuring proposals or confirm the squad participating in the upcoming qualification fixtures scheduled to begin in March 2027, which are expected to largely mirror the format previously used. The last qualification cycle saw Hong Kong finish last in their second-round group behind stronger teams such as Iran and Uzbekistan.
Despite the challenges, recent successes, including Hong Kong’s victory over Cambodia to claim the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup, offer a hopeful sign for the team. Veteran player Sun Mingshim, who marked his 48th international appearance in the tournament, emphasized the need for gradual improvement in FIFA rankings and readiness for future qualifiers under head coach Roberto Losada.
Sun, 26, attributed improvements in his game to experience gained from playing in the Chinese Super League (CSL) with Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, where he primarily serves as a left-back, although he prefers attacking positions. Losada, who coached Sun at the club level before his departure to the now-defunct Cangzhou Mighty Lions, praised his development and adaptability.
While the Nations League proposal may consolidate Hong Kong’s status in the second division, it would at least preserve a route to continental and World Cup finals. Conversely, teams ranked lower than Hong Kong, such as Timor-Leste (ranked 202) and Pakistan (197), could face even more limited opportunities, as the new structure would bar third-tier participants from qualifying pathways presently available, potentially curtailing their international exposure and growth.
Hong Kong’s reliance on key attackers like Matt Orr and Everton Camargo remains significant, with both players contributing the majority of the team’s goals in recent matches. Orr has acknowledged both the team’s transitional phase and the challenges ahead, while Losada has urged patience from supporters, stressing that the squad is undergoing a process of gradual change.
Sun expressed confidence in Losada’s deep understanding of Hong Kong football and the team’s potential to improve step by step through experience. “The World Cup is still too far from us,” he said. “We need to learn from every match, the good parts and our drawbacks, and try to improve every time.”