THE FINAL DRAWS for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 and the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 were conducted at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India’s men’s team have been placed in Group D alongside Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea, while the women’s team will compete in Group B with Japan, Australia and Lebanon.
India qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the 10th time after finishing ahead of IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers. The Blue Colts will open their campaign against Australia, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and DPR Korea. The tournament is scheduled to be held from 5 to 22 May.
Meanwhile, the Young Tigresses secured qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in 21 years after victories over the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan in the qualifiers. They will begin their campaign against Australia, before facing Japan and Lebanon. The women’s tournament will take place from 1 to 17 May.
In the men’s competition, the top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals and also secure qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
In the women’s tournament, the top two sides from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance 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 reigning champions.
