Beijing Guoan is once again in the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup, as three former players represent the club despite China's absence from the tournament. The World Cup is a highly anticipated event for fans worldwide, and the influence of the Chinese Super League (CSL) remains significant. Among the players participating are Kim Min-jae, Cédric Bakambu, and Igor Sergeyev, who played for Beijing Guoan at different times. Kim Min-jae, currently with Bayern Munich, is at the peak of his career and hopes to lead South Korea to success in the tournament. Bakambu, after leaving Guoan, has played for several clubs and is now a key player for the Democratic Republic of Congo, looking forward to his first World Cup experience. Sergeyev, who had a brief stint in the CSL, is now with Iranian club Persepolis and, while primarily a substitute for his national team, his experience is invaluable for younger players. In addition to these three, other former CSL players like Axel Witsel and Marko Arnautović are also showcasing their talents at this World Cup, highlighting the CSL's impact on the international stage. While China may not be competing, its players are still making their mark and demonstrating their skills and potential.