Blue Colts to face Uzbekistan, Australia, DPR Korea
New Delhi: India have been handed a challenging assignment in Group D of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, where they will face Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea following the final draw held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Making their 10th appearance in the continental tournament, the India men’s under-17 national football team — popularly known as the Blue Colts — booked their place after topping a tough qualification group that included IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei.
India will open their campaign against Australia before taking on defending champions Uzbekistan and two-time winners DPR Korea in the group stage. The tournament will be played from May 5 to 22 across venues in Saudi Arabia.
Uzbekistan arrive as the reigning champions, having earned automatic qualification, while Australia secured their spot with victories over Jordan, Bhutan and the Philippines after an early exit in 2025. DPR Korea, semi-finalists in the previous edition, also qualified directly for the current tournament.
Group A features hosts Saudi Arabia alongside Tajikistan, Thailand and Myanmar. Group B comprises Japan, Indonesia, China PR and Qatar, while Group C includes Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals and also secure qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
With reigning champions and former title holders standing in their path, India face a stern examination in Group D. The Blue Colts will be aiming to translate their strong qualifying form into consistent performances on the continental stage as they chase a historic World Cup berth.
