Who Will India Face in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers?
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Synopsis
India has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, pitted against strong teams like Iran and Palestine. As hosts, they aim to make a significant comeback after missing the last tournament. The matches will be held in Ahmedabad, promising an exciting series for fans and players alike.
Key Takeaways
- India aims for a comeback after missing the 2025 tournament.
- Group D includes strong teams like Iran and Palestine.
- Matches will be held at The Arena in Ahmedabad.
- The top teams will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
- Excitement is high for young Indian athletes.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The host nation India has found itself in an intriguing group for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, where it will compete against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Palestine, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon in Group D. This draw took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.
The Qualifiers for Group D are set to unfold at The Arena in Ahmedabad from November 22 to 30, 2025.
India's journey in the Qualifiers will kick off with a match against Palestine on November 22, followed by encounters against Chinese Taipei on November 26, Lebanon on November 28, and Islamic Republic of Iran on November 30.
The draw featured 38 teams divided into seven groups, including three groups of six teams and four groups of five. These teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the seven group winners advancing to the 21st edition of the Finals. They will join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025, who have already qualified: Qatar, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, DPR Korea, Japan, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
In preparation for the Qualifiers draw, the 38 teams were categorized into six pots based on a points system calculated from their final standings in the previous three editions of the Finals. India was placed in Pot 2 and had a separate Hosts Pot designation to avoid being grouped with other host nations.
The AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia is scheduled to occur between May 7 and 24, 2026, with the top eight teams securing a place in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar in 2026.
After failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament, India is determined to make a resurgence and participate in the AFC U17 Asian Cup for the tenth time.
AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 draw:
Group A: China PR (H), Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka
Group B: Yemen, Laos, Kyrgyz Republic (H), Cambodia, Guam, Pakistan
Group C: Vietnam (H), Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Northern Mariana Islands, Macau
Group D: Islamic Republic of Iran, India (H), Palestine, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon
Group E: Australia, Iraq, Philippines, Jordan (H), Bhutan
Group F: Thailand (H), Kuwait, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Maldives
Group G: Oman, Afghanistan, Myanmar (H), Syria, Nepal
India’s schedule:
November 22: Palestine vs India
November 26: India vs Chinese Taipei
November 28: India vs Lebanon
November 30: IR Iran vs India
Venue: The Arena, Ahmedabad
Point of View
The AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers present a crucial opportunity for India to showcase its footballing prowess. The group comprising Iran, Palestine, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon poses challenges, yet it is also a chance for growth and resilience. As a nation, we stand behind our young athletes, hoping for a successful campaign.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers take place?
The Qualifiers will be held from November 22 to 30, 2025.
Where will the matches be played?
All matches for Group D will take place at The Arena in Ahmedabad.
Who are India's opponents in the qualifiers?
India will face the Islamic Republic of Iran, Palestine, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon.
What format will the qualifiers follow?
The qualifiers will be in a single round-robin format, where each team plays the others in their group.
What is at stake in these qualifiers?
The top eight teams will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
