China U17 women reach U17 World Cup QF

China’s U17 women’s national team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on October 29, defeating France 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in their Round of 16 clash in Rabat, Morocco. Goalkeeper Niu Ziqi saved two penalties to help China secure victory and reach the last eight for the first time in the nation’s history at the tournament.

China had won all three of their group-stage matches to advance as group winners. Against France, however, they were largely on the back foot, with head coach Ma Xiaoxu opting for a cautious approach and deploying a five-player defensive line. Neither side managed to score during the 90 minutes, sending the match straight to a penalty shootout. Niu once again proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Léa Motika and Lisa Mabilon to help China prevail 4-3.

China will face Brazil in the quarter-finals, after the South American side also advanced via a penalty shootout, eliminating Poland.

China’s previous best performance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was reaching the Round of 16. When the tournament featured 16 teams, China qualified for the finals three times, in 2012, 2014 and 2022, but failed to progress beyond the group stage on each occasion. At the previous edition, following the expansion to 24 teams, China advanced from their group but were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil.