India’s Under-17 men’s and women’s football teams have been handed demanding group-stage assignments in the AFC Asian Cup 2026, following the official draw held on Wednesday. Both squads are set to face some of Asia’s strongest youth sides, setting the stage for a stern test of India’s emerging football talent.
Women’s U-17 Team Drawn in Group B
The Indian women’s U-17 team has been placed in Group B of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, alongside heavyweights Japan and Australia, as well as Lebanon. The tournament marks India’s second appearance in the competition since their debut in 2005.
India will open their campaign against Australia, a side known for its physical strength and structured youth development. Matches against Japan, one of Asia’s most successful women’s football nations, are expected to be particularly challenging.
Men’s U-17 Side Faces Defending Champions
The Indian men’s U-17 team, popularly known as the Blue Colts, has been drawn in Group D of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The group includes defending champions Uzbekistan, Australia, and DPR Korea.
This will be India’s 10th consecutive appearance in the men’s U-17 Asian Cup, underlining their consistent presence at the continental youth level. The stakes are high, as the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Mixed Reactions From Fans and Experts
The group draw has triggered mixed reactions among Indian football followers. While some supporters described it as one of the toughest possible combinations, others expressed confidence in the squads, pointing to recent training camps and exposure tours aimed at improving competitive readiness.
Coaches and officials have stressed the importance of treating the challenge as an opportunity to test India’s progress against Asia’s elite youth systems. Both teams are expected to continue intensive preparations in the coming months.
Focus on Long-Term Development
Despite the difficulty of the groups, football analysts believe the experience will be valuable for India’s long-term development. Competing against top nations is seen as a crucial step in closing the gap at the international level.
With qualification for the global stage on the line, India’s U-17 teams now face the task of turning preparation into performance when the tournaments kick off in 2026.
BREAKING:
— IFTWC - Indian Football (@IFTWC) February 12, 2026
INDIA U-17 WOMEN PLACED ALONGSIDE JAPAN 🇯🇵, AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 AND LEBANON 🇱🇧 IN ASIAN CUP. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/uaWlZAb66I
