The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is set to deliver exciting youth football action across Asia, bringing together the continent’s best young talents. Scheduled from May 1 to May 17, 2026, the tournament will be hosted in China, marking a significant stage for emerging stars aiming to shine on the international platform.
With 12 teams competing across three groups, the competition promises intense matches, tactical battles, and a glimpse into the future of women’s football in Asia. All matches will be played across four venues in Suzhou, offering world-class facilities for players and fans alike.
Tournament Overview
- Host Country: China
- Dates: May 1 – May 17, 2026
- Teams: 12
- Groups: 3 (A, B, C)
- Venues: 4 stadiums in Suzhou
The tournament follows a round-robin group stage format, where teams compete within their groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Schedule (All times are local, CST (UTC+8)
🅰️ Group A Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | 15:30 | Thailand vs Vietnam | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 1 |
| May 1, 2026 | 19:30 | China vs Myanmar | Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium |
| May 4, 2026 | 15:30 | Myanmar vs Thailand | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 1 |
| May 4, 2026 | 19:30 | Vietnam vs China | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 1 |
| May 7, 2026 | 19:30 | China vs Thailand | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 1 |
| May 7, 2026 | 19:30 | Vietnam vs Myanmar | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
🅱️ Group B Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | 15:30 | Japan vs Lebanon | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 2, 2026 | 19:30 | Australia vs India | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
| May 5, 2026 | 15:30 | Lebanon vs Australia | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
| May 5, 2026 | 19:30 | India vs Japan | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 8, 2026 | 15:30 | Japan vs Australia | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 8, 2026 | 15:30 | India vs Lebanon | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
🇨 Group C Fixtures
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | 15:30 | South Korea vs Philippines | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
| May 2, 2026 | 19:30 | North Korea vs Chinese Taipei | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 5, 2026 | 15:30 | Chinese Taipei vs South Korea | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 5, 2026 | 19:30 | Philippines vs North Korea | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
| May 8, 2026 | 19:30 | North Korea vs South Korea | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 |
| May 8, 2026 | 19:30 | Philippines vs Chinese Taipei | Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 |
Group A Teams and Fixtures
Teams: China (Host), Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar
Key Fixtures:
- May 1, 2026
- Thailand vs Vietnam – 15:30
- China vs Myanmar – 19:30
- May 4, 2026
- Myanmar vs Thailand – 15:30
- Vietnam vs China – 19:30
- May 7, 2026
- China vs Thailand – 19:30
- Vietnam vs Myanmar – 19:30
Group A features strong competition, with host nation China aiming to dominate, while Thailand and Vietnam are expected to challenge for knockout qualification.
Group B Teams and Fixtures
Teams: Japan, Australia, India, Lebanon
Key Fixtures:
- May 2, 2026
- Japan vs Lebanon – 15:30
- Australia vs India – 19:30
- May 5, 2026
- Lebanon vs Australia – 15:30
- India vs Japan – 19:30
- May 8, 2026
- Japan vs Australia – 15:30
- India vs Lebanon – 15:30
Group B is highly competitive, with Japan entering as a strong favorite, while India and Australia will look to secure crucial points to advance.
Group C Teams and Fixtures
Teams: North Korea, South Korea, Philippines, Chinese Taipei
Key Fixtures:
- May 2, 2026
- South Korea vs Philippines – 15:30
- North Korea vs Chinese Taipei – 19:30
- May 5, 2026
- Chinese Taipei vs South Korea – 15:30
- Philippines vs North Korea – 19:30
- May 8, 2026
- North Korea vs South Korea – 19:30
- Philippines vs Chinese Taipei – 19:30
Group C includes traditional powerhouses like North Korea and South Korea, making it one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
Knockout Stage Qualification Rules
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify automatically
- Best third-placed teams across groups also advance
- Rankings are determined by points, goal difference, and goals scored
Why AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Matters
This tournament is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for future stars of women’s football. Many players who shine here go on to represent their senior national teams and compete in global tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With growing investment and popularity in women’s football, the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is expected to attract global attention and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Final Thoughts
The AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 schedule, fixtures, teams, and groups highlight a well-structured and competitive tournament. From the opening matches on May 1 to the final showdown on May 17, fans can expect thrilling football, rising talents, and unforgettable moments.