Both the Vietnam U17 men's and women's teams have received their group draw results for the 2026 AFC U17 Championship finals.
Draw results for the 2026 AFC U17 Championship finals The draw placed Vietnam U17 into a challenging group. Our team was drawn into Group C, which includes opponents with strong traditions and solid youth development programs. This will be an opportunity for the new generation of players to test their skills, gain experience, and aim to secure a spot in the next round.
According to the group allocation, Vietnam U17 will face U17 South Korea, U17 UAE, and U17 Yemen. South Korea and UAE regularly reach the advanced stages, boasting physicality, speed, and extensive international experience. Yemen is rated lower but can always surprise at the youth level, requiring utmost focus.
Before reaching the finals, Vietnam U17 had a very successful qualifying campaign. The team earned a perfect 15 points, scored 30 goals, and kept a clean sheet, advancing to the finals as group winners. This achievement builds strong confidence that the coaching staff and players can create a positive image on the continental stage.
This year's tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 24, 2026, featuring 16 teams. Each group will play a single round-robin to select eight teams for the quarterfinals. Additionally, the tournament results will determine Asia's representatives for the U17 World Cup, making the competition highly intense.
In the women's category, the draw placed Vietnam U17 women's team in Group A alongside China U17, Thailand U17, and Myanmar U17. Host China is a strong favorite, Thailand brings much experience, while Myanmar always presents unpredictable challenges for Vietnamese football.
During qualifiers, the young women showed clear progress, achieving their goal of qualifying for the finals. Their consistent presence in Asia’s top competition reflects a correct direction in youth development. This will be a valuable chance for players to gain experience, build resilience, and pursue long-term goals for Vietnamese women's football.
Southeast Asian fans react mixedly to AFC U17 Championship draw results On the afternoon of February 12, the Asian Football Confederation conducted the group draw for the 2026 AFC U17 Championship. Vietnam U17 was placed in Group C with South Korea U17, UAE U17, and Yemen U17. This group is considered balanced, offering a clear opportunity for the head coach and his team in their quest to qualify for the U17 World Cup. See more