A bird's-eye view of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, or the "Big Lotus", the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. [Photo/IC]

Hangzhou has been chosen to host a pivotal FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier match for the Chinese national team at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, known as the "Big Lotus", on March 25, 2025, local media outlets reported.

The game is part of the third stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This match against Australia is critical as China aims to secure a top-two spot in Group C for direct qualification. The team currently sits at the bottom of the group but is only one point behind second-place Australia, making the remaining home matches vital.

The "Big Lotus", equipped with 80,800 seats and recognized for hosting the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies of the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, offers world-class facilities to ensure a memorable fan experience.

Hangzhou's enthusiastic football culture promises a packed stadium, continuing the city's legacy of hosting major football events like the Asian Games and the 2007 Women's World Cup.

This high-stakes match marks another milestone in Hangzhou's journey as a national football development hub, highlighting its commitment to advancing the sport in China.

The Chinese men's national football team defeats Indonesia 2-1. [Photo/IC]