China U17 miss out on World Cup semifinals

In the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, China faced Brazil. In the first half, Wu Yichen scored with an impressive solo effort from a tight angle. In the second half, Helena Sampaio netted twice for Brazil. Ultimately, China lost 1-2 to Brazil and missed out on a place in the semifinals.

In the Round of 16, goalkeeper Niu Ziqi saved two penalties as China defeated France 4-3 in a shootout to advance. In the 6th minute of the quarterfinal, China took a corner kick and Cai Xinlin’s shot went wide. In the 11th minute, Brazil threatened with a close-range shot that was stopped by Niu Ziqi. In the 25th minute, China had consecutive shots on goal, but the ball was deflected out. In the 38th minute, China made their first substitution, with Liu Yuxi replacing Yang Lan.

In the 42nd minute, Wu Yichen showcased her individual skill by taking the ball down the left, beating the defender, and firing a left-footed shot from a tight angle inside the penalty area, giving China a 1-0 lead over Brazil. At halftime, China led 1-0.

After the break, in the 46th minute, Brazil created multiple threats in front of China’s goal, and Helena equalized for Brazil.

In the 72nd minute, China made another substitution, with Fang Zhenzhu coming on for He Hanru. Fang soon had a golden opportunity but could not get off a shot. In the 79th minute, Wu Yichen again drove into the left side of the box, but her left-footed shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

In the 87th minute, Brazil crossed from the right; a header at the back post set up Helena, who finished from close range to give Brazil a 2-1 lead over China.

With four minutes of stoppage time added, the match ended with China falling 1-2 to Brazil and missing out on a place in the semifinals.