China’s Soccer Struggles Reveal Deeper Lessons for America on National Sports Sovereignty

China’s recent failure once again to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup might seem like just another sporting disappointment. But beneath this loss lies a crucial lesson about the perils of state-controlled sports programs that America must heed to protect its own national sporting identity and economic vitality.Is Government Control Stifling True Sports Excellence?For years, China’s soccer ambitions were fueled by lavish spending on international stars and high-profile foreign coaches, from Brazil’s Hulk to Italy’s Marcello Lippi. Yet despite these extravagant efforts, not only has the Chinese national team repeatedly fallen short on the world stage, but many...