China edges U.S. to top group at U-17 Women's World Cup

(ECNS) -- China defeated the United States 3-2 in their final Group E match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup on Sunday to finish top of the group with three straight wins and advance to the last 16.

Liu Yuxi scored twice and Zhao Jiayi added the other goal to secure victory for China, who finished on nine points. The United States finished second with six points after two wins and one defeat.

China scored 13 goals and conceded two in their three group-stage matches. They had previously beaten Kenya 3-0 and Samoa 7-0, securing qualification alongside the U.S. with a match to spare.

With the group stage complete, all round-of-16 fixtures have been confirmed. On Wednesday, Germany will face Venezuela, North Korea will take on Morocco, Argentina will meet Ghana, and Brazil will play Poland.

China will face France on Thursday for a place in the quarterfinals.

(By Gong Weiwei)