The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has officially kicked off in Saudi Arabia, bringing together some of Asia’s brightest young football talents. This is the 21st edition of the prestigious youth tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation, and it continues to play a major role in developing the future stars of Asian football.
The tournament is being held from May 5 to May 22, 2026, with 15 teams competing across four groups in one host city. Football fans around the continent are closely following the latest standings, results, and performances as teams battle for a place in the knockout stage.
2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Overview
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Dates: May 5 – May 22, 2026
- Teams: 15 National Teams
- Venues: 4 Stadiums in 1 Host City
The competition is expected to deliver exciting matches, emerging stars, and intense rivalries as Asia’s top youth teams compete for continental glory.
Group A Points Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 3 |
| 2 | Tajikistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | Thailand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Myanmar | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Host nation Saudi Arabia made a powerful start to the tournament with a dominant 4-0 victory, moving to the top of Group A on goal difference. Tajikistan also opened their campaign with an important win and remain level on points.
Group B Points Table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Draw | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | Indonesia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | China | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | Qatar | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Japan showcased their attacking strength with a solid opening victory, while Indonesia also secured three crucial points. China and Qatar will be aiming for strong comebacks in their upcoming fixtures.
Group C Points Table
Group C Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vietnam | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | United Arab Emirates | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | South Korea | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Yemen | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0 |
Group C teams are yet to begin their campaigns, but fans are expecting strong competition from South Korea and the United Arab Emirates in the race for qualification.
Group D Points Table
Group D Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 3 |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | India | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0 |
| 4 | North Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Group D features several strong youth football nations, including Australia, Uzbekistan, and India. Supporters are eagerly waiting to see which team takes early control of the standings.
Latest AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Updates
The opening round of matches has already produced exciting performances and impressive goals. Saudi Arabia and Japan currently lead their respective groups after strong starts, while several teams are preparing for crucial second-round matches.
As the tournament continues in Saudi Arabia, football fans can expect daily updates on standings, results, fixtures, top scorers, and knockout qualification scenarios. The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting youth football tournaments in Asia.