China reached the AFC U-17 Asian Cup final after 22 years as it beat Australia 2-0 in the semifinals at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.
In the summit clash, it will face arch-rival Japan, which pipped defending champion Uzbekistan 3-2 in penalties. Japan, with four titles, is the most successful team in the tournament, having last won the title in 2023.
In the first semifinal, China drew first blood through Shuai Weihao in the 49th minute when Zhou Yunuo won the ball in the final third and set him up in the penalty box. Xie Jin found the insurance goal in stoppage time, slotting home from close range following a free kick.
China has already broken the glass ceiling in this Asian Cup, qualifying for the U17 World Cup – the men’s football team’s first global tournament (beyond continental) since 2005.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan thought it had almost secured a spot in the final when Asilbek Aliev found the net early on in the first half. However, a late equaliser by Chimezie Kai Ezemuokwe forced the match to spot kicks.
The Uzbeks had won the quarterfinals on penalties against South Africa. But this time, they ended on the losing side, with Japan winning the shootout 5-3.
China and Japan will play the AFC U-17 Asian Cup final on May 22 at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah.
Published on May 20, 2026