NewKerala.com

India's U17 Asian Cup Challenge: Drawn with Uzbekistan, Australia, DPR Korea

India has been placed in Group D for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 alongside Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea. The tournament is scheduled to run from May 5 to 22, 2026. India qualified for the event for a historic 10th time by finishing ahead of Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals and secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

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

  • India in Group D with Uzbekistan, Australia, DPR Korea
  • Tournament from May 5-22, 2026
  • Top two from each group reach quarters & FIFA U17 WC
  • India qualified for 10th time after topping qualifier group
2 min read

India drawn with Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea in AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026

India drawn in Group D with Uzbekistan, Australia, DPR Korea for AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. Top two qualify for FIFA U17 World Cup.

"The Blue Colts will begin their campaign against Australia, followed by Uzbekistan and DPR Korea. - All India Football Federation"

New Delhi, February 12

India were drawn with Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea in Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 in the Final Draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, according to the All India Football Federation.

The tournament will take place from May 5 to 22. India qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time in history after finishing ahead of Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers. The Blue Colts will begin their campaign against Australia, followed by Uzbekistan and DPR Korea.

Uzbekistan is the defending champion and thus automatically qualifies for the tournament. Australia were eliminated in the group stage of the 2025 edition and qualified for the 2026 tournament after victories over Jordan, Bhutan, and the Philippines.

Two-time champions DPR Korea were semi-finalists in 2025 and thus automatically qualified for the current edition.

In Group A, hosts Saudi Arabia were drawn alongside Tajikistan, Thailand, and Myanmar. Group B contains Japan, Indonesia, China PR and Qatar. Group C has the Republic of Korea, Yemen, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.

The top two sides from each group will progress to the quarter-finals and also qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Draw Lists:

Group A: Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, MyanmarGroup B: Japan, Indonesia, China PR, QatarGroup C: Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab EmiratesGroup D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, DPR Korea.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting draw. Uzbekistan are defending champs and DPR Korea are strong. Australia will be a physical test. The key is to not be overawed. The experience itself will be invaluable for these young players.
P
Priya S
Qualifying for the 10th time shows some consistency at this age level. But the real test is now. We need to see a plan from the federation - proper training camps and exposure matches before May. Just sending them isn't enough.
R
Rohit P
Australia first up! Tough start, but if they can keep it tight, who knows? The dream is to finish in the top two and get that FIFA U17 World Cup ticket. That would be huge for Indian football. Let's get behind the team!
K
Karthik V
Looking at the other groups, I feel Group B (Japan, China, etc.) and our Group D are the toughest. Uzbekistan and DPR Korea are technically very sound. Our boys will learn a lot, even if the results are hard to come by. Focus on development.
M
Meera T
All the best to our young stars! Remember the 2017 U17 World Cup team? Some of them are now senior team regulars. This tournament is a crucial stepping stone. Play with heart and make the nation proud! 💙

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50