Sportzcraazy

licensed-image, AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, Asian Cup
Football
0 likes

AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, India in Group D With Iran and Others

India has been drawn in Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The draw took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India’s opponents are Iran, Palestine, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon. Group D matches will be held at Ahmedabad’s The Arena from November 22 to 30, 2025.

The AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw featured 38 teams. They were split into seven groups. Three groups have six teams each. Four groups have five teams each. Every group will play in a single round-robin centralised league format. The seven group winners will move on to the 21st edition of the Finals. They will then join nine AFC teams that have automatic berths from the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025. Those teams are Qatar, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, DPR Korea, Japan, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

For the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers draw, teams were seeded into six pots. The seeding used a points system. It was based on final rankings in the previous three editions of the Finals. India was in Pot 2. Moreover, India was placed in a separate Hosts Pot before the draw. This move made sure India would not meet other hosts in the same group.

India will open the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a match against Palestine. This game is scheduled for November 22, 2025. Then, India will face Chinese Taipei on November 26. Next, India will play Lebanon on November 28. Finally, India will close Group D with a match against Iran on November 30.

India’s full schedule in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers is:

  • November 22: Palestine vs India
  • November 26: India vs Chinese Taipei
  • November 28: India vs Lebanon
  • November 30: IR Iran vs India

In Group A, China PR will host Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Timor-Leste, and Sri Lanka. Group B features Yemen, Laos, Kyrgyz Republic (host), Cambodia, Guam, and Pakistan. Vietnam will host Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Northern Mariana Islands, and Macau in Group C. In Group E, Australia will face Iraq, Philippines, Jordan (host), and Bhutan. Thailand will lead Group F with Kuwait, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Maldives. Finally, Group G will include Oman, Afghanistan, Myanmar (host), Syria, and Nepal.

The AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 will be held in Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 24, 2026. The top eight teams from the Finals will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. India missed out on the 2025 tournament and will aim to bounce back in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. With this draw, India has a clear path in Group D. It can now prepare to face these opponents at Ahmedabad’s The Arena.

Transitioning from the draw to the matches, India must plan its training and tactics. First, the match against Palestine on November 22 will set the tone. Then, playing Chinese Taipei on November 26 will test the team’s consistency. Next, facing Lebanon on November 28 will demand focus and discipline. Finally, the showdown with Iran on November 30 will be the toughest challenge in this Group D.

India’s placement in Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers brings a mix of opponents. It offers both opportunities and challenges. Now, India can look ahead to these matches, aiming for a top spot in Group D and a chance to play in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Finals in Saudi Arabia. 

Related posts:

kyle-waker-peters-signs-for-southamptonKyle Walker Peters complete his loan signing to Southampton Oxlade-Chamberlain to miss the remaining pre-season camp due to injuryOxlade-Chamberlain to miss the remaining pre-season camp due to injury Why Ronaldo is confident that Manchester United will do wonders in upcoming matches AIFFIndian Football Latest Updates: 5 Takeways from Roadmap 2047 that we should know in detail

RELATED POSTS