The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has revealed that Dalian, Liaoning Province will host the FIFA World Cup qualifier between China and Saudi Arabia on September 10.

Lee Kang-In (L) of South Korea competes against Xie Wenneng of China during the Group C match of 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers between South Korea and China in Seoul, South Korea, June 11, 2024. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

The eastern coastal city was chosen from nine bidding cities chiefly because it is geographically close to Japan, from where China's team will return on September 6, and its climate will be helpful for China's preparation, the CFA said in a statement on Thursday.

"The hosting city should be convenient for the national team to travel and help reduce their travel weariness. The national team would like to fly back to China on the next day following their away game with Japan to prepare for the match at home against Saudi Arabia on September 10," the statement read.

China will also set up a training camp prior to their visit to Japan, so a northern city is preferred as the climate is similar to that of Japan, the CFA statement added.

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