Chinese Super League Preview: Chengdu Rongcheng Nears Title, Beijing-Shanghai Clash for Asian Spot, Relegation Battle Intensifies

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Reports are circulating that Chengdu Rongcheng has already prepared championship celebration materials, waiting to open champagne after the September 6 away match against Henan.

This weekend features the 26th round of the 2026 Chinese Super League season, followed by a one-month break.

The title race, Asian qualification battle and relegation fight will all see key developments in these two days.

Official statements have praised Chengdu Rongcheng as running away from the field, but the reality is more complicated than the standings suggest.

Scores are only the surface. Unpaid wages, penalties, historical disputes and controversial refereeing decisions have also shaped the season. The 2026 CSL has become a survival contest that few discuss openly.

They benefited largely from the weakness of their rivals.

Chengdu Rongcheng have 51 points, 14 ahead of second place. A win over Henan would give them their first CSL title four rounds early and match Guangzhou Evergrande's 2011 record.

However, believing Rongcheng has the same overwhelming dominance as the Evergrande era requires further examination.

Rongcheng have won only once in their last eight league matches in the second half of the season. That looks more like a slowdown than domination.

Interestingly, Rongcheng have not collapsed and their lead has continued to grow.

The reason is the chasing teams' poor form. Beijing Guoan, Qingdao West Coast and Dalian Yingbo all have 37 points but failed to produce a strong winning run.

Some traditional strong clubs are reportedly satisfied with protecting second place rather than fighting for the championship.

The schedule is also notable. The FA set September 5 as an early match day, with Guoan and West Coast playing before Rongcheng face Henan on September 6.

If the challengers drop points on the 5th, Rongcheng could wake up after a hotel night already having effectively won the title.

Against Henan, Rongcheng's top scorer Felipe, who has scored 17 goals, is suspended after receiving four yellow cards.

Many see this as a concern, but without Felipe as the focal point, domestic attackers such as Wei Shihao and Baihelamu may take more responsibility.

Henan announced it would fight with full effort, but slogans alone will not stop an opponent from lifting the trophy.

The battle for second place becomes the focus.

With the title race lacking suspense, the fight for second place is the main attraction this round.

Interest in second place comes from the Asian Champions League reform. In 2026/27, the AFC Champions League Elite expands to 32 teams. China receives a 2+1 allocation: direct places for the CSL champion and FA Cup winner, with another for the CSL runner-up.

The key variable is Shandong Taishan. Due to an AFC ban, Taishan will not take part in allocation before the end of the 2026/27 season, increasing the value of second place.

Therefore the Beijing-Shanghai derby between Shanghai Port and Beijing Guoan is not only about prestige, but also Asian qualification.

Guoan are second with 37 points and unbeaten for 11 rounds. Port have won four and drawn one of their last five. However, the article believes Port may be disadvantaged.

Port used their strongest lineup in the FA Cup recently and may have fatigue issues, while Guoan rotated and rested key players.

The first meeting ended 2-2 at Workers' Stadium and VAR decisions caused discussion. If Port cannot start strongly at home, fatigue could become decisive.

The relegation zone battle is even more brutal, with teams fighting simply for survival.

Wuhan Three Towns, the 2022 CSL champions, have 19 points from two fewer matches and sit second from bottom.

Some believe Three Towns still have room because of postponed matches, but their opponents Henan and Zhejiang are difficult, and they are level on points with Tianjin Jinmen Tiger but behind on goal difference.

The two teams drew both meetings this season. If points are equal, Three Towns could suffer because of goal difference, while their final five matches include Shanghai Shenhua and Shandong Taishan.

If Three Towns fail to win three points against Henan in the September 12 postponed match, their survival prospects may become very dangerous.

Qingdao Hainiu face an even tougher situation, with eight straight defeats, 14 points at the bottom and five points from safety.

But is Hainiu's problem really only a lack of ability?

According to the debt clearance list released early this year, Hainiu, West Coast and Guoan were among the first clubs that had not completed clearance requirements.

Guangxi Pingguo lost its competition qualification because of wage issues, while Henan also faces financial concerns. Seven of Hainiu's 14 points were deducted through disciplinary punishment.

Players competing while lacking full salary payments and carrying a minus-seven-point start face internal pressure. Financial problems combined with relegation rules have left some clubs struggling from the beginning.

Controversial refereeing decisions also continued throughout the season. Reviews confirmed several incorrect calls, including a missed penalty in Tianjin Jinmen Tiger's match against Three Towns that affected relegation.

A wrong decision in the title race may be a small incident, but in relegation battles it can change a team's fate.

Conclusion.

The night of September 6 may belong to Chengdu, as Sichuan football could celebrate its first top-flight league championship.

Beyond the celebrations, the problems facing Chinese football must also be recognized.

A team with only a 12.5% second-half win rate can win the title four rounds early, while a three-year three-title club struggles with wages in the relegation zone. This shows the league ecosystem remains fragile.

The champion's lead hides declining overall competitiveness, and expanded Asian opportunities cannot hide club financial problems.

Chengdu Rongcheng's title is both a reward for proper football development and a result of the old order changing. The question is whether this advantage can last next season.

This is not only a question for the new champion, but also one the football authorities must address.

Can these traditional clubs affected by debts and penalties recover their competitiveness next season?

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