China secures U17 World Cup qualification after 21-year absence

Published: 09:15, May 13, 2026

By Xinhua

In this photo released by the Asian Football Confederation, Li Junpeng (right) of China runs for the ball with Faisal Bakhit Al-Hamad of Qatar during the final match of Group B between China and Qatar at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 12, 2026.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - China booked its place in the quarterfinals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup with a 2-0 win over Qatar on Tuesday, also securing qualification for this year's FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

It marked China's return to the premier U17 event for the first time since 2005.

Needing a win to keep its qualification hopes alive, China made a strong start and threatened repeatedly in the opening stages.

Zhang Bolin (right) of China celebrates scoring a goal during the final match of Group B between China and Qatar at the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 12, 2026.

He Sifan gave China the lead in the 14th minute, latching onto Wan Xiang's pass and firing a powerful strike into the top corner.

China continued to dominate possession and create chances, while Qatar's first effort on target came late in the first half through Dhiaeddine Larbi but was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Qin Ziniu.

China doubled the lead in the 71st minute when Zhang Bolin headed in Wan's set-piece delivery, and held on to win.

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