India women drawn with Japan, Australia and Lebanon in AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026

India were drawn with Japan, Australia and Lebanon in Group B of the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 in the final draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

Having qualified for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in 21 years after defeating Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, the Young Tigresses will begin their campaign against Australia, followed by Japan and Lebanon. The tournament will take place from May 1 to 17.

Japan were runners-up in 2024, thus qualifying automatically for the tournament. They are four-time champions of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup and also FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup champions in 2014 and runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Australia were knocked out in the group stage of the 2024 edition and qualified for the 2026 tournament after victories over Singapore and Northern Mariana Islands. On the other hand, Lebanon will make their debut, having made it to their maiden tournament with wins over Kuwait and IR Iran.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUpnfrOkwgG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

In Group A, hosts China PR were drawn alongside Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. Group C contains DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

The AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 will be hosted in the city of Suzhou at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium and the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre.

The top two sides from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals. The four semifinalists will qualify for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, where DPR Korea are the current holders.

Groups and teams:

Group A: China PR (H), Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar.

Group B: Japan, Australia, India, Lebanon.

Group C: DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Philippines, Chinese Taipei.