China beat the USA 3–2 in the third round of Group E at the 2026 U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on October 26, China Standard Time (UTC+8). Three wins from three gave China nine points and a place in the knockout stage as group winners. Liu Yuxi scored twice and Zhao Jiayi added the other goal. China will next face France on October 29 at 23:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8).
USA goal ruled out for offside before China's long ball produces the opener
In the fifth minute, Manning turned in a rebound for the USA but was ruled offside. China responded quickly: in the seventh minute, Niu Ziqi sent a long ball from deep to release Liu Yuxi one-on-one, and she finished low into the far corner. China went 1–0 ahead, avoiding a prolonged spell on the defensive after the early threat.
China continued to seek chances after taking the lead. In the 15th minute, Zhao Jiayi won possession back outside the penalty area and shot, with the goalkeeper gathering. In first-half stoppage time, Wu Yichen made room on the left of the box and hit the side-netting with her left foot. China led 1–0 at the break. Early in the second half, Xu Yue's shot from a late run went narrowly wide, while Fang Zhenzhu also created a chance at the near post.
The lead restored two minutes after the equalizer
In the 69th minute, DiMaria headed in Manning's cross at the far post to level at 1–1. China did not let parity last long. In the 71st, they won the ball high up the pitch, Wu Yichen passed across and Zhao Jiayi controlled before shooting home. Within two minutes, the equalizer had given way to a 2–1 China lead.
In the 81st minute, Liu Yuxi used her strength to evade the defense, drove into the area and finished at the near post for her second goal, extending the lead to 3–1. Seven minutes into second-half stoppage time, Stanislaus set up Ortiz to side-foot into an empty net and pull one back for the USA, but China held on to win 3–2.
Goals that counted
| Time | Scorer | Score (China first) |
|---|---|---|
| 7th minute | Liu Yuxi | 1–0 |
| 69th minute | DiMaria | 1–1 |
| 71st minute | Zhao Jiayi | 2–1 |
| 81st minute | Liu Yuxi | 3–1 |
| 90+7 minutes | Ortiz | 3–2 |
INKA SPORTS analysis: A quick second lead and a third goal to provide a cushion
The key was not only Liu Yuxi's two finishes, but also China's response to conceding in the 69th minute. Just as the USA had drawn level and gained an opportunity to apply pressure, China regained the lead by winning possession high up the pitch and passing across the area. That sequence put China back in front.
Liu's second goal then created a cushion for the closing stages. The USA's stoppage-time strike reduced the deficit to one, but could not erase China's earlier two-goal advantage. A one-on-one following a long ball, a move after regaining possession high up the pitch and an individual drive produced China's three goals in different ways. Whether they can keep converting chances will be tested against France in the next round.
Conclusion
Three victories secured top spot, while this match's most useful lesson was China's ability to produce effective attacking play after being pegged back. They also need to examine their defensive coordination in the two goals conceded, particularly protection of the far post against crosses. The knockout challenge against France is approaching: nine points establish the group-stage achievement, but do not replace preparation for the next match.
