China’s U17 national team secured a 2-0 victory over Qatar in the AFC U17 Asian Cup group stage, booking their place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 21 years. The match took place at the King Abdullah Sports City training ground on May 13, with goals from He Sifan and Zhang Bolin in the 71st minute sealing the win. China finished second in Group B to advance. The U-17 World Cup, now an annual event, will be held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026, with 48 teams competing. The draw for the tournament is scheduled for May 21 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. This marks China’s return to the U-17 World Cup since 2005, when they reached the quarterfinals. Their best result remains a quarterfinal appearance in both 1985 and 2005.
In other football news, Al Nassr drew 1-1 with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, with a late own goal from goalkeeper Bento denying Al Nassr a win that would have sealed the title. Barcelona issued a statement saying they are evaluating the remarks and accusations made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. Chelsea are reportedly optimistic about appointing Xabi Alonso as their next manager, with the club also monitoring Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. In the NBA, Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke passed away at age 29; reports suggest a possible drug overdose, with an autopsy pending.
In the CBA playoffs, Beijing defeated Guangdong 88-73 in Game 3 to advance to the semifinals with a 2-1 series lead. Jannik Sinner extended his Masters 1000 winning streak to 31 matches, tying Novak Djokovic’s record, after a 6-2, 6-3 win over Pellegrino in Rome. Zhang Zhizhen lost 3-6, 4-6 to Collar in the first round of the Oeiras Challenger.
Additional briefs: Southampton defender Bella-Kotchap faces investigation for alleged discriminatory remarks; Newcastle plans to sign five new players; Paris Saint-Germain is considering a €150m bid for Julián Álvarez; Real Madrid insiders question the signing of Kylian Mbappé; Inter Milan are Serie A champions; Juventus eye Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, Gonzalo García, and David Alaba; Bayern Munich board supports the transfer of Gordon.
Upcoming fixtures: May 13 features WNBA games, LCK match T1 vs. NS, LPL match WE vs. AL, CFA friendly China U16 vs. Tajikistan U16, CBA playoff Game 3 Guangsha vs. Shanxi, and ATP Rome Masters quarterfinals. May 14 includes Ligue 1, La Liga, Coppa Italia final Lazio vs. Inter, Premier League Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace, and more.