Road to Uzbekistan 2027 begins for #AFCU17 hopefuls

Fri, 18 Sep, 2026

Road to Uzbekistan 2027 begins for #AFCU17 hopefuls

Kuala Lumpur: The mission to reach the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ gets underway on November 8 (Sunday) for the 35 teams in the 22nd edition of the Qualifiers.

The cast has been split evenly into seven groups to contest a single round-robin centralised league format until November 20, with only the winners advancing to the 22nd edition of the Finals in May 2027.

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Thu, 27 Aug, 2026

Uzbekistan 2027 hopefuls discover qualification path

Kuala Lumpur: Teams aiming to vie for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027™ title discovered their Qualifiers challenge following the Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

The 35 teams were divided 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.

The seven group winners will join the nine AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 who have automatically qualified - Australia, China PR, Japan (defending champions), Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam - in the Finals.

#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.

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.

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.