China’s U17 women’s national team secured a convincing 3-0 victory over India in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup held in Suzhou, booking their spot in the semi-finals and earning a place at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The semi-final clash is set for May 14 at 19:30, with China facing defending champions North Korea, while Japan will take on Australia in the other semi-final.
China’s U17 side dominated the group stage, winning all three matches with an aggregate score of 15-0 and zero goals conceded. They finished top of Group A after beating Myanmar 6-0, Vietnam 3-0, and Thailand 6-0. The 15 goals were shared among nine different players, showcasing a well-rounded attack: Li Qixian and Cheng Wandi each scored three, while Huang Qinyi, Ju Zhitong, and others also contributed.
In the quarter-final against India, Huang Qinyi opened the scoring, Liu Yuxi added a penalty, and Li Qixian sealed the 3-0 victory. Head coach Ma Xiaoyu has implemented a clear tactical approach, rotating players to maintain fitness while employing high pressing, quick transitions, and set-piece strategies to enhance squad depth.
North Korea, the opponent in the semi-final, also went unbeaten in the group stage with three wins, scoring 21 goals and conceding none. In their quarter-final, they thrashed Thailand 6-0. The North Koreans have won the last two editions of the U17 World Cup, making this semi-final a major test for China.
Having already secured World Cup qualification, China’s young squad can play with freedom. Key performers include Liu Yuxi, who has been instrumental in midfield with one goal and one assist in the quarter-final and three goals and four assists in the group stage. Li Qixian, with her sharp poaching instincts, has netted three group-stage goals, while 16-year-old Chongqing talent Ju Zhitong, hailed as a promising youth prospect, will look to shine again.
Regardless of the outcome, China’s U17 women’s team has qualified for the 2026 U17 World Cup in Morocco, marking their second consecutive appearance at the global tournament.