China’s men’s under-17 national team has secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, ending a 21-year absence from the tournament. The achievement came after a decisive 2-0 victory over Qatar in the third round of Group B at the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
The win marked a historic milestone for Chinese youth football, as the team not only advanced to the knockout stage of the Asian Cup but also earned the right to compete on the global stage once again. This qualifying campaign was filled with tension and determination, as the young squad showed resilience in a challenging group.
The last time China’s U17 team played in the World Cup was back in 2005, making this qualification a significant breakthrough for the country’s football development. With this strong performance, hopes are high for the future of Chinese football.
