Xie Jin of China celebrates scoring during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, May 19 (Xinhua) -- China defeated Australia 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup here on Tuesday, reaching the final for the first time in 22 years. ■

Starting players of China line up before the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Shuai Weihao (Top L) of China shoots during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Starting players of China line up for photos before the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Kutleshi Besian (R) of Australia vies with Zhang Bolin of China during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Xie Jin of China reacts after scoring during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Shuai Weihao (2nd L) of China shoots during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Katrib Emile (L) of Australia vies with He Sifan of China during the semifinal match between China and Australia at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)