According to a report from Xinhua News Agency in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 12, China’s U17 men’s national team secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Qatar in the final group stage match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup. Despite entering the game with two consecutive losses, China managed to finish second in Group B on goal difference, earning a spot in the quarterfinals.
With this win, China not only advanced in the Asian Cup but also clinched a berth at the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup, marking the country’s return to a men’s world youth tournament after a 21-year absence.
China came out aggressively in must-win fashion, controlling the tempo from the start. In the 14th minute, a long pass from Wan Xiang found He Sifan, who calmly curled the ball into the net to give China a 1-0 lead. The team maintained its dominance throughout the first half.
After the break, Qatar adopted a more attacking approach, but China remained in control. In the 71st minute, Zhang Bolin headed home from a set-piece, doubling the lead. Qatar failed to find the net, and the match ended 2-0 in China’s favor.
In Group B, Japan finished top with a perfect record (three wins), while China, Qatar, and Indonesia each ended with one win and two losses, all on three points. China advanced due to a superior goal difference.
China will face Group A winner and tournament host Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on May 15.
