RABAT - China kicked off its campaign at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with a 5-0 victory over Norway in Group C here on Saturday, thanks to braces from Zhou Xinyi and Fang Zhenzhu.

Facing Norway, runners-up at this year's UEFA U-17 Women's Championship, China dominated from the start as Chen Ruilin opened the scoring with a direct free kick in the 15th minute.

In first-half stoppage time, Zhou converted a penalty to double the lead after a Norwegian defender fouled in the box. In the 56th minute, Zhou netted her second with a close-range finish to make it 3-0.

Substitute Fang Zhenzhu then sealed the victory for the young Steel Roses, scoring twice in the 81st and 88th minutes.

The 2025 U-17 Women's World Cup features 24 teams divided into 6 groups. China is grouped with the United States, Ecuador, and Norway.

The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage.