AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026: Updated points table after Indian U-17 vs Uzbekistan U-17

India crash out of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.

King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted the second group stage encounter of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, where the Indian U-17 team locked horns with the Uzbekistan U-17 team.

India were drawn alongside Australia, defending champions Uzbekistan and North Korea in a difficult Group D. India’s qualification hopes got a major boost after North Korea withdrew from the competition citing safety reasons and the Blue Colts were just a win away from scripting history in the Gulf.

India lost the opening game badly to Australia after goals from Becvinovski, Court, Demuth and Oliveira saw the Kangaroos netting four against India. That defeat did enough damage for India in terms of goal difference, and the next game against Uzbekistan was a must-win for India.

However, Bibiano’s boy had a herculean task in hand as they had to win the game against defending champions and one of the favourites, Uzbekistan, to stay alive. Anything other than a win would see India leaving Saudi Arabia empty-handed.

However, things didn’t go as planned, and a penalty goal from Laziz Abduraimov made it 1-0 for the White Wolves in just 32 minutes. The difference in squad strength was clear and Uzbekistan went on to score two more to make it 3-0 as India suffered another heartbreaking defeat against the defending champions.

A brief look at the points table

After this defeat, India’s continental hopes are over in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. After North Korea’s withdrawal, the total number of group stage games were reduced. India lost both their group stage games against Uzbekistan and Australia, leaving them with no points after 2 games.

Meanwhile, Australia are at the top of the table with 3 points and a +4 goal difference, whereas Uzbekistan also made it to the next round after a win over India tonight. The White Wolves are placed second with three points and a +3 goal difference.

However, there is another game to be played between Uzbekistan and Australia to decide who takes the top spot. A draw would be enough for the Joeys to finish atop, whereas the White Wolves need a win to leapfrog Australia to occupy the top spot of Group D.

Bibiano’s boys take home experience and learnings

Firstly, Indian U-17 team led by Bibiano Fernandes were the only team from the men’s category to represent India after both the senior team and the U-23 team failed to make it to Asia. The Blue Colts went on to defeat Iran in the final game in Ahmedabad to secure their tickets to Saudi.

Despite India failing to open their points as well as goals tally, it has been a learning experience for the boys. After all, playing such quality opponents at the topmost competition of Asia at such young age will massively help the players to rectify their mistakes to aim higher as they age and grow mature with time.

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