FIFA puts faith in China

Soccer's world governing body FIFA announced on Oct 24 that China would host the inaugural edition of an expanded 24-team Club World Cup in multiple cities in June and July 2021, which FIFA president Gianni Infantino (pictured, center) hailed as a "historic decision". Four months previous, China was chosen to stage the 2023 Asian Cup. Landing two major international soccer events in one year was interpreted as a strong signal that the country's hope of hosting the FIFA World Cup as early as 2030 is achievable.