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India Face Tough AFC U17 Asian Cup Group with Defending Champs Uzbekistan

India has been placed in a challenging Group D for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 alongside defending champions Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea. The tournament, scheduled from May 5 to 22, 2026, offers a direct path to the FIFA U17 World Cup for the top two finishers in each group. India earned its 10th appearance at the continental event by finishing ahead of Iran and Lebanon in the qualifiers. The Blue Colts will begin their campaign against Australia before facing the formidable defending champions and a strong DPR Korea side.

Key Points: India's AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Group Draw with Uzbekistan

  • India in Group D with Uzbekistan, Australia, DPR Korea
  • Top two teams qualify for FIFA U17 World Cup
  • Tournament in Saudi Arabia from May 5-22, 2026
  • India qualified for 10th time after topping qualifier group
2 min read

AFC U17 Asian Cup: India drawn with Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea in Group D

India drawn in Group D with defending champions Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

"The draw has set up a competitive group, with India facing three sides with strong recent records at the U17 level."

New Delhi, Feb 12

India have been drawn in a challenging Group D alongside defending champions Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, following the Final Draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

The tournament will be held from May 5 to 22 in Saudi Arabia, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals and securing qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

India qualified for the continental showpiece for the 10th time in their history after an impressive campaign in the qualifiers, where they finished ahead of Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei. The Blue Colts will open their Group D campaign against Australia, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and DPR Korea.

Uzbekistan entered the tournament as defending champions and qualified automatically. Australia, who were eliminated in the group stage of the 2025 edition, booked their place in 2026 with victories over Jordan, Bhutan, and the Philippines in the qualifiers. DPR Korea, a two-time former champion, reached the semi-finals in 2025 and qualified automatically for the current edition.

The draw has set up a competitive group, with India facing three sides with strong recent records at the U17 level. In Group A, hosts Saudi Arabia were drawn alongside Tajikistan, Thailand, and Myanmar. Group B comprises Japan, Indonesia, China PR, and Qatar, while Group C features the Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.

With a FIFA U17 World Cup berth at stake, India will aim to build on their qualifying momentum and make a strong impression on the continental stage.

AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 final draw results:

Group A: Saudi Arabia (Host), Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar

Group B: Japan, Indonesia, China PR, Qatar

Group C: Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates

Group D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, DPR Korea

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a football fan living in Delhi, I'm excited! The opening match against Australia is crucial. A good start there can set the tone. Hope they get proper training camps and exposure before the tournament.
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Vikram M
Defending champs Uzbekistan and a strong DPR Korea side... yikes. But remember, at this age level, anything can happen. Our youth development seems to be improving. Qualifying is an achievement itself. Best of luck to the team!
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Priyanka N
While I'm hopeful, I have to be realistic. The AIFF needs to ensure these boys aren't just thrown into the deep end. Where is the detailed preparation plan? We often qualify and then falter in the main event due to poor planning. Hope this time is different.
R
Rohit P
The World Cup spot is the real prize! Finish in the top two and we're in Qatar 2026. That should be the motivation. Forget the group's difficulty, just play fearless football. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
Interesting draw. From a neutral perspective, Group D looks like the "Group of Death." Australia will be physical, Uzbekistan technical, and DPR Korea unpredictable. India's journey will be a great test of their progress.

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