China U19 Beats Colombia 1-0 to Secure Second Win at Toulon Tournament
China’s U19 men’s football team defeated Colombia 1-0 in the third group-stage match of the 2026 Toulon Tournament on Friday, securing their second victory in the prestigious international youth competition. The win puts China temporarily at the top of Group A with six points from three matches, marking a strong return to a tournament the nation has not participated in for seven years.
Lightning Start and Crucial Penalty Save
The match was barely a minute old when Chinese forward Liu Jiale produced a moment of brilliance. According to Xinhua News, Liu stole the ball in the attacking third, drove forward, and unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box to score in just 36 seconds — the fastest goal of this tournament and potentially in Toulon Tournament history.
Colombia responded by pressing forward aggressively, putting China’s defense under significant pressure. However, the young Chinese squad maintained a compact defensive shape, using active pressing and coordinated covering to limit Colombia’s attacking space. The discipline of the backline proved essential as Colombia dominated possession for extended periods.
The game’s defining moment came in first-half stoppage time when Colombia was awarded a penalty. China’s goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu judged the spot-kick correctly and made a crucial save, preserving the 1-0 lead heading into halftime. China Daily reported that the save was a critical turning point in the match, keeping China’s advantage intact when the team was under its heaviest pressure.
In the second half, Colombia continued to push forward in search of an equalizer while China focused on defending and launching counterattacks. A Colombian player was sent off, giving China a numerical advantage, and the team held on to secure the 1-0 victory. The result showcased China’s defensive resilience and ability to perform under pressure against a determined opponent.
Tournament Journey So Far
China’s campaign at the 52nd edition of the Maurice Revello Tournament began with a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia’s U21 side on May 31, with Zhang Jiaming forcing an own goal. The team then suffered a 3-0 defeat to DR Congo’s U23 team on June 2 before bouncing back against Colombia.
With two wins and one loss, China sits atop Group A with six points. The team’s next challenge will be against Tunisia on June 8 at 00:30 Beijing time. The tournament runs from May 31 to June 13 across multiple venues in southern France, featuring 10 teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of China, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, DR Congo, and Tunisia, while Group B includes Canada, Ivory Coast, Japan, Portugal, and Venezuela.
Playing Against the Odds
This marks China’s first appearance at the Toulon Tournament in seven years, and the team is competing at a notable age disadvantage. China is fielding a U19 squad while opponents such as Saudi Arabia field U21 teams and DR Congo fields U23 teams. Some key Chinese players are also absent due to commitments with the Chinese Super League (CSL), meaning the squad is operating with reduced depth against older, more experienced opponents.
Despite these challenges, the young Chinese squad has demonstrated resilience and defensive organization. The 36-second goal by Liu Jiale and the penalty save by Yihesan Yilamu have drawn particular attention, with the goal being noted as potentially the fastest in Toulon Tournament history. The performance has generated positive coverage in Chinese media, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline.
Broader Significance for Chinese Football
China’s competitive showing at the Toulon Tournament comes amid ongoing efforts to revitalize Chinese football at the youth level. The country has been investing heavily in youth development programs as part of broader football reform initiatives aimed at producing talent capable of competing on the international stage.
Success in a tournament that has historically served as a launching pad for future stars could provide a significant confidence boost for these young players. Many past Toulon Tournament participants have gone on to become world-class footballers, and China’s ability to compete against older opponents bodes well for the long-term development of the program.
What’s Next
China’s final group-stage match against Tunisia on June 8 will be crucial for determining whether the team advances to the knockout rounds. A win or draw could secure progression, while a defeat would leave China’s fate dependent on other results. The match promises to be a stern test against a Tunisian side that will also be fighting for qualification.
The Toulon Tournament, officially known as the Maurice Revello Tournament, has been held annually since 1967 and is widely regarded as one of the most important youth football competitions globally. For China’s U19 squad, this tournament represents not just a chance for silverware, but a vital opportunity for young players to gain experience against high-quality international opposition.