The draw for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has placed the United Arab Emirates into a challenging Group C alongside South Korea, Yemen, and Vietnam.
The draw ceremony, held Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Asian Football Confederation headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sets the stage for an early test for the UAE’s young squad. A tough group awaits, particularly with the presence of South Korea, a perennial powerhouse in youth continental competition with a strong tournament history.
Host nation Saudi Arabia landed in Group A with Tajikistan, Thailand, and Myanmar. Group B promises a fierce battle between former champions Japan, Indonesia, twice-crowned China, and 1990 winners Qatar, all vying for qualification to the knockout stages.
Group D will observe defending champions Uzbekistan take on Australia, India, and twice-champion North Korea in another competitive group. The competition for spots in the later rounds is expected to be intense.
The Asian Cup tournament is scheduled to run from May 5 to May 22, 2026. The top eight teams will earn a coveted berth in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar later this year. This tournament provides a crucial pathway for young Asian talent to showcase their skills on a global stage.
