China secures return to FIFA U-17 World Cup after absence of 21 years

China clinched a place in the  AFC U17 Asian Cup quarterfinals, while also qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 21 years, after beating Qatar 2-0 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.

The win in Group B confirmed China's return to the global U17 tournament for the first time since 2005, marking a significant milestone in the country's youth football development process.

Needing a victory to keep their hopes alive, China started aggressively, controlling the tempo from the opening whistle. The team created several early chances before successfully breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute.

He Sifan opened the scoring after latching onto a pass from Wan Xiang and unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner, giving the Chinese side a 1-0 advantage.

China continued to dominate possession and apply pressure throughout the first half. Qatar struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with their first shot on target coming late in the half when Dhiaeddine Larbi tested goalkeeper Qin Ziniu, who made a comfortable save.

The Chinese side maintained control after the break, doubling their lead in the 71st minute. Zhang Bolin rose highest to head home a set-piece delivery from Wan, who picked up his second assist of the match.

China will face host nation Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals on Friday.