Indonesia U-17 Faces Daunting Challenge in 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Draw

The official draw for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup has placed Indonesia in one of the tournament’s toughest groups, setting up a formidable challenge for the young Garuda squad. Announced in Kuala Lumpur on February 12, 2026, the results confirmed that Indonesia will compete in Group B alongside Japan, China, and Qatar—three nations with strong pedigrees at youth level in Asia.

Being grouped with such established teams has quickly led observers to label Group B as a “group of death.” Japan stands out as the most decorated side in the group, boasting four U-17 Asian Cup titles and a long-standing reputation for excellence in youth development. Their consistency and structured grassroots programs have made them a perennial favorite in nearly every edition of the competition.

China also brings significant history into the tournament. With two championship titles to their name, they remain a respected force in Asian youth football. Qatar, although having secured only one title, is widely known for its rapid development and ability to produce competitive teams capable of surprising stronger opponents. Together, these three nations present a stern test for Indonesia, which has yet to lift the trophy at this level.

Indonesia enters the tournament with a measure of optimism despite the difficult draw. The team earned a Pot 2 position thanks to an impressive showing in the 2018 edition and a quarterfinal finish in the 2025 tournament, marking their best achievement so far. However, recent friendly matches against China exposed areas that require urgent improvement. Indonesia suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat in their first encounter before showing progress in a narrower 2-3 loss in the second match. These results highlighted the competitive gap that must be addressed, particularly in defensive organization and attacking efficiency.

The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals will take place in Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 24, featuring 16 of Asia’s best youth teams. For Indonesia, advancing beyond the group stage will demand resilience, tactical discipline, and significant growth in a short period of time. While the path ahead appears steep, the experience of facing Asia’s elite could become a defining moment in the development of this promising generation. Here are the complete draw results for the 2026 AFC U-17 Championship:
· Group A: Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar
· Group B: Japan, Indonesia, China, Qatar
· Group C: South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates
· Group D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, North Korea.