China's under-17 football team secured a dominant qualification for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup, finishing their Group A campaign with five consecutive victories and an impressive 42-0 goal difference. The squad concluded their stellar performance with a 4-0 triumph over Bangladesh in Chongqing on Sunday, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive discipline.
Shuai Weihao emerged as the match hero, netting a hat-trick before Zhao Songyuan sealed the victory. Coach Bin Ukishima praised his team's tactical execution, stating: "Our players maintained excellent positional rotation and transition under high-pressure situations – this result reflects their hard work."
Sixteen teams have now qualified for the 2026 tournament in Saudi Arabia, including regional powerhouses Japan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Korea. The May 2026 competition will also serve as a qualifier for that year's FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, with eight Asian berths at stake.
This commanding performance positions China's youth squad as serious continental contenders while demonstrating the country's growing investment in football development programs. Analysts suggest the team's cohesion and scoring efficiency could make them a dark horse in next year's championship.
