Indonesia Faces Tough Draw in 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup
Kuala Lumpur – The draw for the group stage of the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has taken place and the Indonesian U-17 national team finds itself in a challenging Group B. The young Garuda squad will face stiff competition from Japan, China, and Qatar.
Group Stage Lineup Revealed
The draw, held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, divided the 16 participating teams into four groups of four. Indonesia’s placement in Group B alongside Japan, China, and Qatar sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle for qualification.
A Group of Champions
Indonesia will face a formidable challenge, as all three of its group opponents have previously won the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Japan boasts four titles (1994, 2006, 2018, 2023), making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. China has secured two championships (1992, 2004), whereas Qatar claimed victory in 1990.
Indonesia’s Recent Successes
Despite being considered the underdog, the Indonesian U-17 team will aim to build on its recent achievements. The team automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament following a strong performance in the 2025 edition, reaching the quarter-finals and becoming the sole representative from ASEAN to reach the final eight. This success also secured Indonesia’s place in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚!
Here’s how the #AFCU17 draw pans out as 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia awaits!
Tournament Details
The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from May 5 to May 22 in Saudi Arabia, marking the second consecutive year the nation will host the tournament.
Full Group Stage Draw
- Group A: Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar
- Group B: Japan, Indonesia, China, Qatar
- Group C: Korea South, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates
- Group D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, North Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup?
The tournament will be held from May 5 to May 22, 2026.
Where will the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup be held?
Saudi Arabia will host the tournament.
Who are Indonesia’s opponents in the group stage?
Indonesia will face Japan, China, and Qatar in Group B.
(bay/aff)
