China’s U17 national team secured a historic return to the U17 World Cup for the first time in 21 years after a tense 2-0 victory over Qatar in their final group match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup on May 13. The result, combined with Japan’s 3-1 win over Indonesia, saw all three teams in Group B finish with 3 points, but China advanced as group runners-up thanks to a superior goal difference.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when He Sifan collected a long pass, cut inside, and curled a shot into the far corner to give China a 1-0 lead. Substitute Zhang Boshuang doubled the advantage in the 71st minute with a header, making the score 2-0—exactly what was needed to clinch qualification.
Coach Fushimi’s substitutions raised eyebrows as he repeatedly replaced goal scorers. After taking off Zhao Songyuan in the previous match, he did the same with He Sifan and later substituted Zhao, Shuai Weihao, and Wan Xiang in the second half. Fortunately for China, Qatar failed to capitalize on several chances, and the team held on.
This achievement marks two major milestones under the leadership of Chinese Football Association chairman Song Kai. First, the U23 team coached by Antonio reached the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup in January, finishing as runners-up after losing to Japan. Many players from that squad—such as Baihelamu, Li Hao, Yang Xi, Wang Yudong, Xu Bin, Hu Hetao, and Wuimitijiang—have become key figures in the senior national team.
Second, the U17 team’s qualification for the World Cup ends a 21-year absence from any global tournament for Chinese men’s national youth teams. Despite a rocky path that included a narrow escape against Japan and Qatar, the result is a significant boost for Chinese football.
