In a Group B match of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 9 local time, China’s U17 national team lost 1-2 to Japan, marking their second straight group stage defeat.
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups. China is placed in Group B alongside Japan, Indonesia, and Qatar. The top two teams from each group secure direct qualification for the U17 World Cup. In their opening match, China had already fallen 0-1 to Indonesia.
During the match, both sides created several chances early on. In the 37th minute, Japan took the lead from a corner kick, as Genki Sugishima headed the ball into the net from close range.
China equalized in the 48th minute. A counter-attack saw Wan Xiang deliver a through ball, and Zhao Songyuan slotted home with a low shot from a tight angle. However, Japan regained the advantage in the 60th minute when substitute Yuki Kitahara scored with a long-range strike, sealing a 2-1 victory for Japan, who also secured their second consecutive group win.
In the other Group B match on the same day, Qatar defeated Indonesia 2-0. As the U17 World Cup host, Qatar has already secured an automatic spot. If they finish in the top two of Group B, the best third-placed team among all groups will also earn a World Cup berth. After two matches, China sits at the bottom of Group B but still has a chance to advance.
China will face Qatar in their final group match on May 12 local time.