Xi Jinping to meet Fifa boss Infantino in Beijing as China harbours World Cup ambition

China’s football-mad President Xi Jinping will meet Fifa chief Gianni Infantino in Beijing on Wednesday as the world’s most populous nation harbours ambitions of hosting the World Cup.

Xi will greet the president of football’s world governing body at the palatial Great Hall of the People.

“We hope we can strengthen our cooperation on football with international organisations, including Fifa, and also with other countries,” foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing.

“As to whether China will host the World Cup, this is a dream shared by many Chinese. We also hope we can see that happen as soon as possible,” Lu said.

The meeting follows widespread speculation that China will bid to host the event either in 2030 or 2034.

Xi wants his country to host the global football extravaganza and also hopes China’s national team can one day win the sport’s most prestigious trophy.

But China, who languish at 82nd in Fifa’s world rankings just below Benin and the Faroe Islands, look certain to miss out on qualification for Russia 2018.