On May 13, the third round of the U17 Asian Cup group stage concluded with four matches, revealing the latest standings and qualification results. China defeated Qatar 2-0, Japan beat Indonesia 3-1, Saudi Arabia drew 5-5 with Tajikistan, and Thailand tied Myanmar 2-2. China, Japan, Qatar (as hosts), Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan all secured tickets to the U17 World Cup.
Due to North Korea’s withdrawal, only 15 teams participated in this year’s tournament. With the expansion of the World Cup, any team advancing from the group stage—finishing in the top eight—earns a World Cup berth, making the stakes incredibly high. China’s U17 team last competed in the World Cup in 2005, and this year they were determined to return. However, the path to qualification was anything but smooth, filled with challenges and setbacks.
China struggled in the first two matches, losing 0-1 to Indonesia and 1-2 to Japan, leaving them on the brink of elimination. In the final group match, only a win over Qatar, coupled with a Japanese victory over Indonesia, could keep their hopes alive. Longtime followers of Chinese football know the team’s tendency to falter under pressure, but this time the young players rose to the occasion, securing a 2-0 victory and controlling their own destiny.
China secured their World Cup ticket with a determined performance. In the 14th minute, Wan Xiang set up He Sifan, who skillfully dribbled past defenders and curled the ball into the net. To ensure qualification, China needed more than just one goal. In the 71st minute, Wan Xiang again provided an assist, finding Zhang Bolin in the box who headed home. China held firm to the 2-0 scoreline. With Japan beating Indonesia 3-1 in the other match, China advanced as group runners-up on goal difference, edging out Qatar and Indonesia, and clinching a spot in the knockout stage and the World Cup.
Japan’s 3-1 win over Indonesia was crucial in blocking Indonesia’s path. Chinese national teams at all age levels have been absent from the World Cup for too long. The U17 team’s return to the global stage is a moment of celebration, and fans hope they will continue to improve. China’s next match in the quarter-finals will be against Group A winners Saudi Arabia. Japan, as Group B winners, will face Tajikistan. Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan played out a thrilling 5-5 draw, with Saudi Arabia leading 4-1 at one point but ultimately settling for a draw. They still topped the group on goal difference, while Tajikistan finished second. In the same group, Thailand and Myanmar drew 2-2, both eliminated.