Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer' slated for July 11, 2026 release

Hong‑Kong director Stephen Chow is returning to the big screen with a sequel‑spinoff of his 2001 hit Shaolin Soccer. Titled "Kung Fu Soccer" (also known as "功夫女足"), the film follows an under‑dog women’s soccer team that blends martial arts with football.

The movie is set for a mainland China theatrical debut on 11 July 2026, timed to coincide with the global hype around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chow directs and produces the co‑production between Hong Kong and mainland China, while Encore Films (Singapore) handles rights outside mainland China.

The ensemble cast features Chinese stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang, together with Japanese actor Takeru Satoh in a key role. Hong‑Kong actors Jimmy O. Yang and MC Jin are also attached. A short 21‑second teaser trailer has already been released, generating buzz across Asian cinema fans.