FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
The East Asian side are making a return to the global stage after missing the previous two editions.
Factfile
Previous appearances: 6
Best result: Runners-up (2004, 2006)
2024 result: Did not qualify
How they qualified: AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-finalists
Group F fixtures - Sept 7: v New Caledonia; Sept 10: v Nigeria; Sept 13: v Spain
Fun fact: China PR have not advanced past the group stage since the second of their two runners-up finishes in 2006
Previous appearances: 6
Best result: Runners-up (2004, 2006)
2024 result: Did not qualify
How they qualified: AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-finalists
Group F fixtures - Sept 7: v New Caledonia; Sept 10: v Nigeria; Sept 13: v Spain
Fun fact: China PR have not advanced past the group stage since the second of their two runners-up finishes in 2006
A semi-final finish at the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ meant China PR booked a ticket to the World Cup and they will head to Poland determined to hold their own in a tough Group F.
They are set to face 2022 champions Spain, two-time runners-up Nigeria and tournament debutants New Caledonia but head coach Wang Jun believes the focus China PR has put on the development of the women's game will see his players shine.
They are set to face 2022 champions Spain, two-time runners-up Nigeria and tournament debutants New Caledonia but head coach Wang Jun believes the focus China PR has put on the development of the women's game will see his players shine.
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“China attaches great importance to the development of women’s football. We once stood at the forefront of global women’s football, and now we are in a phase of catching up with high-level nations," said the tactician recently to FIFA.com.
“While learning from others, we are also exploring a style of play suited to Chinese players, one closely linked to our traditional culture.
“On the basis of expanding the football population, aligning our tactical and technical development philosophy, and pursuing coordinated progress for all our national youth teams under one unified vision, is the direction we strive for. We hope we can stay firmly on this path.”
“While learning from others, we are also exploring a style of play suited to Chinese players, one closely linked to our traditional culture.
“On the basis of expanding the football population, aligning our tactical and technical development philosophy, and pursuing coordinated progress for all our national youth teams under one unified vision, is the direction we strive for. We hope we can stay firmly on this path.”
Having advanced to the final in their first two appearances, China PR's next four participations saw their campaign ending in the group stage and while Wang Jun said progression to the Round of 16 is a target, the long term is what he is more focused on.
"Returning to the U-20 Women's World Cup is crucial for the development of the young generation of our players. While showcasing their abilities, they can gauge the gap between themselves and the world’s top teams, continuously improve themselves, and prepare for future appearances at the Women’s World Cup.
"Several players in our team have earned promotion to feature in this U-20 Women’s World Cup ahead of their age group. This is also part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen talent development across youth age groups and build momentum for the next U-20 Women’s World Cup. They represent the future of Chinese women’s football."
"Returning to the U-20 Women's World Cup is crucial for the development of the young generation of our players. While showcasing their abilities, they can gauge the gap between themselves and the world’s top teams, continuously improve themselves, and prepare for future appearances at the Women’s World Cup.
"Several players in our team have earned promotion to feature in this U-20 Women’s World Cup ahead of their age group. This is also part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen talent development across youth age groups and build momentum for the next U-20 Women’s World Cup. They represent the future of Chinese women’s football."
#U20WAC | Semi-finals: China PR 0-2 Japan
Defeat to eventual champions Japan meant their AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup journey ended at the semi-final stage but Wang Jun said the experience gained playing against a team who have made the semi-finals of the last four editions of the global showpiece provided tremendous benefits for his players.
“In women’s youth football across Asia, China, Japan, Korea Republic, DPR Korea and Australia all hold competitive strengths. The strong form shown by DPR Korea and Japan in recent Asian and even global tournaments warrants our close attention and reflection."
As the head coach plots a successful return to the global stage, leading China PR's charge will be led by Zeng Yujia, who contributed two goals in her team's run to the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
Teamwork, however, was China PR's forte and Wang Jun will be working hard to ensure his players are at the top of their game going into the opening tie against New Caledonia on September 7.
“In women’s youth football across Asia, China, Japan, Korea Republic, DPR Korea and Australia all hold competitive strengths. The strong form shown by DPR Korea and Japan in recent Asian and even global tournaments warrants our close attention and reflection."
As the head coach plots a successful return to the global stage, leading China PR's charge will be led by Zeng Yujia, who contributed two goals in her team's run to the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.
Teamwork, however, was China PR's forte and Wang Jun will be working hard to ensure his players are at the top of their game going into the opening tie against New Caledonia on September 7.
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