India U17 take on defending champions Uzbekistan in a do or die match of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026

India lost the first match of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 to Australia

The India U-17 football team is all set to play the last group stage match of their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 campaign against the defending champions Uzbekistan.

Having lost the last match to Australia 4-0, the task to progress further in the tournament and make their place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup now becomes very tough as this match is against Uzbekistan is a virtual knockout. Only a positve result can keep India’s hope alive.

A win against Uzbekistan, followed by the latter dropping points against Australia on May 13, will see India make the last eight, a progression that will also secure them a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Even a draw against Uzbekistan may be enough, should Australia defeat the Central Asians by a margin of more than four goals.

As the Blue Colts get ready to face the defending champions, let us take a look at what can we expect from the clash and what is the value that the clash holds.

The Stakes

India

The stakes could not be higher for India. With North Korea withdrawing from the tournament, Group D now has only three teams, making this the best opportunity for India to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and progress further in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.

However, the match India needed a result from was against Australia, and the Blue Colts suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat, making the road ahead even tougher. Now, India face defending champions and two-time AFC U-17 Asian Cup winners Uzbekistan.

A win is almost a necessity for India to keep their hopes alive. Even a draw could still keep the dream breathing, but victory is what India will be aiming for.

Uzbekistan

For Uzbekistan, this will be their first match of the tournament and they will be eager to begin their campaign in dominant fashion as the defending champions. The stakes are high for them as well as they look to successfully defend their AFC U-17 Asian Cup crown.

Uzbekistan are clear favourites to top the group and are expected to pose a major challenge for the other teams in the competition.

Team News

Ahead of the opening game of the tournament, there are no major injury concerns for either side, with both head coaches expected to have fully fit squads available for selection.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 3

Won by India: 1

Won by Uzbekistan: 2

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

India (4-2-3-1):

Rajrup Sarkar (GK); Korou Meitei, Shubham Poonia, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin; Diamond Singh, Denny Singh; Gunleiba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Azlaan Shah; Washington Singh.

Uzbekistan (4-3-3):

Sirojiddinov (GK); Khakimov, Ruziboev, Rakhimov, Abdunabiev; Mamatov, Erkinov, Murodov, Sadirjanov, Laziz, Ravshanbekov

Players to Watchout

Azlaan Shah (India)

Azlaan Shah looked lively in India’s opening game against Australia and managed to get himself into some very promising positions in the attacking third. The young forward had a few good opportunities but could not make them count, something India eventually paid the price for.

Against Uzbekistan, India will once again need his pace, movement and attacking intent on the counter. With chances expected to be limited, Azlaan will have to step up and be more clinical in front of goal if India want to challenge a strong Uzbek side.

Laziz Abdurayimov (Uzbekistan)

At just 16 years of age, Laziz Abdurayimov is already showing why he is considered one of Uzbekistan’s exciting young talents. The Olympia Tashkent forward has been in impressive form for the national team, scoring five goals in nine matches and consistently looking dangerous in the final third.

Laziz is a sharp attacker who knows how to find spaces inside the box and can turn half chances into goals very quickly.

Against India, his movement and finishing ability could become a big challenge for the defence, especially if Uzbekistan manages to control the game and create regular attacking opportunities.

Telecast Details

India’s final group stage match in the 2026 AFC U-17 Men’s Asian Cup against Uzbekistan will take place on 10th May 2026, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia.

The match will kick off at 22:30 IST. Fans can catch the live action of the match on FanCode in India. It will also be streamed live on AFCASIANCUP official youtube channel.

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