In a dramatic turnaround, China’s U17 national team defeated Qatar 2-0 in their final group stage match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup on Wednesday, securing a long-awaited spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time since 2005.
The victory, achieved at a neutral venue, marked a historic moment for Chinese youth football. After suffering back-to-back losses to Indonesia (0-1) and Japan (1-2) earlier in the group, China needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. They delivered when it mattered most.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when He Sifan cut inside from the left flank and curled a precise shot into the far corner, giving China a 1-0 lead. Zhao Songyuan had earlier tested the Qatari goalkeeper with a long-range effort, and He Sifan also forced a save from a similar attempt later in the half.
China continued to push for a second goal after the break. In the 71st minute, a cross from the right found Zhang Bolin, who powered a header into the net to make it 2-0. The goal effectively sealed the win and the qualification.
The Chinese defense held firm throughout, with goalkeeper Qin Ziniu making a few routine saves. The team’s discipline and composure under pressure were praised by analysts, especially given the high stakes.
China’s qualification came down to a three-way tie on three points among China, Qatar, and Japan, with China advancing thanks to a superior goal difference. The U17 World Cup will be held in Qatar in 2026, marking the first time a Chinese men’s national team at any level has reached a FIFA world championship since the 2005 U17 World Cup in Peru, which featured the likes of Wang Dalei.
The starting lineup for China included: Qin Ziniu (GK); Zhang Xuyao, Nan Zixun, Li Junpeng, Jin Yucheng; He Sifan (substituted by Xie Jin in 58th, then Xu Zhengpeng in 87th), Zhou Yunuo (C), Pan Chaowei, Shuai Weihao (substituted by Wang Heyi in 78th); Wan Xiang (substituted by Wang Xiubao in 78th), Zhao Songyuan (substituted by Zhang Bolin in 58th). Substitutes not used: Kuang Zhaolei, Jiang Chengen (GK), Bian Weihao, Peng Xianchen, Kong Xinuo, Liu Zhicheng, Zhu Yuxuan (GK).
