Kung Fu Soccer hit theaters in China on July 11, 2026, marking Stephen Chow's first film in seven years. The film, a spin-off of the beloved 2001 classic Shaolin Soccer, quickly made waves at the box office, grossing an impressive $73.6 million (RMB 500.3 million) within just the first two days of release.
Quick Answer
- Release Date: July 11, 2026
- Opening Weekend Box Office: $73.6 million (RMB 500.3 million)
- Rating: 9.4 on Maoyan
- Final Gross Prediction: $369 million (RMB 2.5 billion)
- Director: Stephen Chow (does not star)
What is Kung Fu Soccer About?
The film follows an all-female soccer team that incorporates martial arts techniques into their game during a significant tournament. This unique premise builds upon the comedic and action-oriented style Chow is known for, having previously directed notable hits like Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer. The cast features prominent actors such as Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang, alongside guest appearances from Hong Kong’s Carina Lau, Japan’s Takeru Satoh, and U.S. comedian Jimmy O. Yang.
Box Office Performance and Reception
Kung Fu Soccer’s strong box office take comes at a crucial time for the Chinese film industry, which has seen a significant decline in ticket sales over the past year. The film accounted for nearly three-quarters of all ticket sales in China during its opening weekend, outperforming competitors like Minions & Monsters and Light Chaser’s animated film, Three Kingdoms: The Beginning.
According to figures provided by Artisan Gateway, Kung Fu Soccer is projected to gross approximately $369 million (RMB 2.5 billion) overall, boosted by its high rating on the Maoyan ticketing platform. This success could prove pivotal in revitalizing the box office performance in China, which has faced a sharp decline of around 40% compared to the same time the previous year.
Future Prospects
With Kung Fu Soccer’s release coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Shaolin Soccer, the film is positioned not only as an entertainment product but also as a nostalgic reminder for fans of Chow’s work. As it looks to capitalize on ongoing FIFA World Cup excitement, its success could pave the way for more projects from the celebrated filmmaker.
Where to Watch Kung Fu Soccer
As of now, Kung Fu Soccer is available in theaters across China, with international distribution being handled by Encore Films, who are preparing for a territory-by-territory rollout. Further details on streaming availability or international release dates have not yet been confirmed.
For fans of Stephen Chow and martial arts comedies, Kung Fu Soccer promises to deliver the humor and excitement that his films are known for.
