#AFCU17 hopefuls set for Qualifiers Draw

Tue, 11 Aug, 2026

#AFCU17 hopefuls set for Qualifiers Draw

Kuala Lumpur: The road to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ will begin with the Qualifiers Draw on August 27 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Set to take place at 3pm, the ceremony will split the 35 participating teams into seven groups of five to contest a single round-robin centralised league for the qualifying rounds that run from November 8 to 20, 2026.

#AFCU17: Facts & Figures

Sun, 24 May, 2026

#AFCU17: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ came to a thrilling conclusion on Friday with Japan crowned champions after edging China PR 3-2 in a pulsating final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends.

As the dust settles on another memorable edition, the-AFC.com looks at the facts and figures that defined the tournament.

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Jeddah: Midfielder Maki Kitahara reflected with a mixture of pride and self-criticism after helping Japan clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR on Friday.

Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Jeddah: Japan staved off a second-half fightback from China PR to emerge the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ champions with a 3-2 win in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The trophy was lifted for a record-extending fifth time after Japan survived a scare in the second half, with China PR fighting back from 3-0 down to come within a whisker of pulling off a sensational comeback.

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Jeddah: Kosei Oshita was named the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in Japan’s title-winning campaign.

Oshita capped off an outstanding tournament with another composed display in the final against China PR, providing the foundation for Japan to lift the coveted title for a record-extending fifth time.

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Jeddah: Maki Kitahara lifted the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards following a standout campaign at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The midfielder scored Japan's third in the 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final, taking his tally to six and underlining his status as one of the tournament’s most lethal attacking threats.