China score five in second half to beat New Caledonia in U20 Women’s World Cup opener

China scored five times after half-time to defeat New Caledonia 5-0 in their opening Group F match at the U20 Women’s World Cup on Monday, 7 September 2026.

New Caledonia had appeared capable of frustrating their opponents during a goalless first half, keeping China at a distance and reaching the interval on level terms. However, the match changed almost immediately after the restart, with Xiao breaking the deadlock in the 46th minute.

That goal opened the way for a dominant second-half display from China, as New Caledonia struggled to cope with the increased pace and pressure.

The Cagoues held out for longer than half an hour after Xiao’s opener, but China eventually doubled their advantage when Huang scored in the 71st minute. Zhou added a third just three minutes later, leaving New Caledonia facing a difficult final period.

Huang then completed a hat-trick with two further goals in the closing stages. The China forward struck again in the 80th minute before finding the net for a third time in the 83rd minute, confirming a convincing victory for her side.

New Caledonia’s resistance in the opening 45 minutes had offered encouragement on their first appearance at an U20 Women’s World Cup. Their organisation kept China from making the breakthrough before the interval, but they were unable to maintain that level after the restart.

The Cagoues were overwhelmed by China’s second-half intensity and ultimately suffered a heavy defeat in their first Group F fixture. For New Caledonia, the performance provided a clear contrast between a promising opening period and a second half in which China’s attacking strength proved decisive.