Beijing, en.SERU.co.id – Hong Kong director Stephen Chow’s latest film, Kung Fu Soccer (also known as Kung Fu Women’s Soccer), has made a spectacular debut at the Chinese box office.
On its first day of release, Saturday, July 11, 2026, the movie officially crossed 100 million yuan (approximately US$14 million) according to Maoyan. However, as the day progressed, various industry trackers and final estimates reported significantly stronger figures, reaching between US$36–38 million.
According to leading box office platform Maoyan, the kung fu–soccer comedy dominated nearly half of all available screenings across China and broke three opening-day records in its category.
CGTN reported:
“Kung Fu Soccer, the latest film directed and written by Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow, opened in cinemas in China on Saturday, grossing over 100 million yuan (about $14 million) on its official release day, according to box office tracker Maoyan.”
The strong opening was fueled by huge pre-release excitement. Ticket presales had already reached 70–80 million yuan days before launch, and the film earned an impressive 9.4 audience score on Maoyan, reflecting strong word-of-mouth from early viewers.
Kung Fu Soccer serves as a spiritual sequel to Chow’s 2001 hit Shaolin Soccer, arriving exactly 25 years later. Starring Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, Lay Zhang (Zhang Yixing), and Carina Lau, the movie follows a women’s soccer team from Emei who use their kung fu skills to dominate a major tournament. It marks Chow’s first feature film since 2019.
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Box Office Outlook and Market Context
Analysts predict the mid-budget film could achieve US$200–300 million in China alone, boosted by summer movie season momentum and excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Encore Films has secured international distribution rights outside China, with a Singapore release set for August 6, 2026, and an Indonesian release planned for August 26, 2026.
Known as the “King of Comedy” in Hong Kong, Stephen Chow brings back his signature style: over-the-top kung fu action, modern visual effects, and his unique brand of absurd humor that made Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle global successes.
This powerful opening is welcome good news for China’s film industry as it looks to rebound in the second half of 2026. Further box office updates will continue to be tracked via Maoyan and other official sources.
