The Chinese men's national soccer team is set to play two crucial matches in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — facing Saudi Arabia away on March 21, followed by a home game against Australia in Hangzhou on March 25.

Currently ranked sixth in the group, China is just one point behind second-place Australia. These back-to-back matches are seen as a key turning point in China's campaign, fueling fans' hopes — and travel enthusiasm.

To meet growing demand, Zhejiang Tourism Investment Group has launched a themed package titled "Travel with soccer". 

The five-day, three-night tour to Saudi Arabia includes a group visit to the March 21 match, along with sightseeing stops such as the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Diriyah, and Kingdom Centre in Riyadh. The trip is priced at 8,199 yuan ($1,116) (excluding international airfare) and is now open for booking.

For the March 25 home fixture in Hangzhou, the company is arranging services for over 600 members of the official fan club Team Dragon. Their itinerary includes visits to West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Xixi National Wetland Park, combining soccer passion with local cultural experiences. Individual fans can also join the tour, though they must purchase tickets separately.

As China fights for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, soccer is driving a surge in both domestic and outbound tourism — turning matches into memorable journeys.