India were drawn with Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea in Group D of the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 in the final draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.
The tournament will take place from May 5 to 22.
India qualified for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup for the 10th time in history after finishing ahead of IR 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 are the defending champions, thus qualifying automatically for the tournament. Australia were knocked out in the group stage of the 2025 edition and qualified for the 2026 tournament after victories over Jordan, Bhutan and Philippines. Two-time former champions DPR Korea were semi-finalists in 2025, thus also qualifying automatically for the current edition.
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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 Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.
The top two sides from each group will progress to the quarterfinals and also qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
The groups: Group A: Saudi Arabia (H), Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar.
Group B: Japan, Indonesia, China PR, Qatar.
Group C: Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates.
Group D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, DPR Korea.
