NewKerala.com

India's Young Tigresses Face Japan, Australia in U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026

India's U17 women's national football team has been drawn into Group B alongside Japan, Australia, and Lebanon for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. This marks India's first appearance in the tournament in 21 years, following qualification victories over Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The tournament, to be held in Suzhou, will see the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams progress to the knockout stage. The four semi-finalists will earn a direct qualification spot for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026.

Key Points: India Drawn with Japan, Australia in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

  • India's first qualification in 21 years
  • Japan are four-time champions
  • Top two from each group advance
  • Semi-finalists qualify for FIFA U17 World Cup
2 min read

India drawn with Japan, Australia and Lebanon in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026

India's U17 women's football team to face Japan, Australia, Lebanon in Group B of AFC Asian Cup 2026. Top teams qualify for FIFA U17 World Cup.

"India were drawn alongside Japan, Australia, and Lebanon in Group B - All India Football Federation"

New Delhi, February 12

India were drawn alongside Japan, Australia, and Lebanon in Group B of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 during the Final Draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, according to the All India Football Federation.

Having qualified for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time in 21 years after defeating Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, the Young Tigresses will open their campaign against Australia, followed by matches against Japan and Lebanon. The tournament will take place from May 1 to 17.

Japan were runners-up in 2024 and thus qualified automatically for the tournament. They are four-time champions of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup and also FIFA U17 Women's World Cup champions in 2014 and runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Australia were eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 edition and qualified for the 2026 tournament after victories over Singapore and the Northern Mariana Islands. On the other hand, Lebanon will make its debut, having qualified for its first tournament with wins over Kuwait and Iran.

In Group A, hosts China were drawn alongside Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. Group C contains DPR Korea, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

The AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 will be held in Suzhou, at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium and the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre.

The top two sides from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026, where DPR Korea are the current holder.

AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Draw Lists:

Group A: China, Thailand, Vietnam, and MyanmarGroup B: Japan, Australia, India, and LebanonGroup C: DPR Korea, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud of the girls for making it this far! Playing against Japan, the world champions, will be an incredible learning experience regardless of the result. Hope they play without pressure and enjoy the tournament.
R
Rohit P
The path to the World Cup is clear: finish in the top 4 of Asia. It's a steep climb from this group, but not impossible. We need to be realistic but also fiercely hopeful. All the best, girls!
S
Sarah B
As a football fan living in India, this is exciting news! The women's game is growing here. A respectful note to AIFF: we need to see more investment in youth development and exposure tours if we want to compete consistently at this level.
V
Vikram M
Japan and Australia... wah, kya group hai! But remember, Lebanon is also a debutant. We must target a win there and try to get a point from Australia. Anything can happen in football. Chak De India!
K
Kavya N
This is such a big moment for women's football in our country. These young players are inspiring the next generation. I'll be cheering for them from Pune! Let's go, Young Tigresses! 🐯

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50