The AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 is set to deliver thrilling youth football action as Asia’s brightest young talents compete for continental glory. Hosted in Saudi Arabia from May 5 to May 22, 2026, this prestigious tournament marks the 21st edition of the competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation. With 15 teams, four venues, and matches centralized in Jeddah, fans can expect intense competition and future stars in action.
🏆 Tournament Overview
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Dates: May 5 – May 22, 2026
- Teams: 15
- Venues: 4 stadiums (Jeddah)
- Qualification: Top teams advance to knockout stage & FIFA U-17 World Cup
This edition is also part of a historic run, as Saudi Arabia hosts four consecutive tournaments (2025–2028).
🗓️ AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Match Schedule
The AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 schedule is carefully organized to deliver non-stop football action across multiple venues in Jeddah. Matches are spread across group stages from May 5 to May 13, ensuring each team gets equal rest and competitive balance. With fixtures played daily in the evening, fans can enjoy back-to-back games featuring Asia’s top young talents. From opening clashes to decisive final group matches, every game plays a crucial role in determining who advances to the knockout stage and secures a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
All times are local, SAST (UTC+3).
📅 Group A Fixtures
Teams: Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | 20:00 | Saudi Arabia vs Myanmar | Hall Stadium |
| May 5 | 20:30 | Tajikistan vs Thailand | Training Pitch B |
| May 9 | 20:00 | Thailand vs Saudi Arabia | Hall Stadium |
| May 9 | 20:30 | Myanmar vs Tajikistan | Training Pitch B |
| May 12 | 20:00 | Saudi Arabia vs Tajikistan | Hall Stadium |
| May 12 | 20:00 | Thailand vs Myanmar | Training Pitch B |
📅 Group B Fixtures
Teams: Japan, Indonesia, China, Qatar
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | 19:00 | Japan vs Qatar | Pitch C |
| May 5 | 19:30 | Indonesia vs China | Pitch A |
| May 9 | 19:00 | China vs Japan | Pitch C |
| May 9 | 19:30 | Qatar vs Indonesia | Pitch A |
| May 12 | 19:00 | Japan vs Indonesia | Pitch A |
| May 12 | 19:00 | China vs Qatar | Pitch C |
📅 Group C Fixtures
Teams: South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | 20:00 | Yemen vs Vietnam | Hall Stadium |
| May 6 | 20:30 | South Korea vs UAE | Pitch B |
| May 10 | 19:00 | Vietnam vs South Korea | Pitch C |
| May 10 | 19:30 | UAE vs Yemen | Pitch A |
| May 13 | 20:00 | South Korea vs Yemen | Pitch B |
| May 13 | 20:00 | Vietnam vs UAE | Hall Stadium |
📅 Group D Fixtures
Teams: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, North Korea
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | 19:00 | Australia vs India | Pitch C |
| May 10 | 20:00 | India vs Uzbekistan | Hall Stadium |
| May 13 | 19:00 | Uzbekistan vs Australia | Pitch A |
⚠️ Matches involving North Korea have been cancelled due to withdrawal.
⚽ Key Highlights & What to Expect
The AFC U-17 Asian Cup is a launchpad for future football stars, with many past players progressing to senior international success. Teams like Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan enter as strong contenders, while host Saudi Arabia will look to capitalize on home advantage.
The tournament format ensures high stakes from the group stage itself, as only the top teams advance to the knockout rounds and secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
🔍 Final Thoughts
The AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 schedule promises exciting matches, competitive fixtures, and rising stars ready to shine on the continental stage. With a packed calendar across four groups, fans should keep track of match timings and key clashes to not miss any action.
Whether you’re following your national team or scouting future football legends, this tournament is a must-watch event in the Asian football calendar.