Who are the hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers?

India will also host the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers games.

As the AFC U17 Asian Cup is around the corner, the hunt for the best sixteen teams will begin in the qualifiers, where 38 teams from the silk-laden east to the golden sands of the west compete for a spot in the premier continental competition.

With less than a fortnight remaining for the AFC U17 Asian Cup draws, which are scheduled to take place on 7 August 2025, the host nations for the qualifying games have been announced. A total of 38 teams will participate in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

In this article, we shall take a close look at the host nations of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers and the possible permutations and combinations of different groups based on the seedings.

Also Read: Exclusive: Indian Football Team to replace Malaysia in CAFA Nations Cup 2025

India among seven countries to host AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers

Out of 38 countries, a total of 7 potential hosts have been announced for the Asian Cup qualifiers. From the set of top-ranked teams in Pot 1, China and Vietnam will be the hosts. India will be the sole host country from Pot 2. Myanmar and the Kyrgyz Republic have been identified as hosts from Pot 3.

From Pot 4, Jordan will play as the host nation, whereas from Pot 5, Bhutan has been recognised as a host for the qualifying games. There are no host nations from Pot 6. It is expected that the two host nations will be drawn in different groups in the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

India in Pot 2 of AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers

Out of 38 teams, Pot 1 to Pot 5 consist of 7 teams each, whereas Pot 6 will have 3 teams. A group of four or five teams are expected to be drawn out tomorrow at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifier draws, which is scheduled to be held on August 7th 2025.

The top-ranked teams from Asia have been placed in Pot 1. They will enter as the favourites to emerge as the group toppers. 3-time semi-finalists Australia, 2008 champions Iran, and two-time winners China have been placed alongside teams like Oman, Yemen, Vietnam and Thailand.

Pot 2 has teams like Afghanistan, hosts India, Malaysia, Iraq, Kuwait, Laos and Bangladesh. Pot 3 will consist of Singapore, Bahrain, Myanmar, Philippines, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Palestine. Pot 4 has teams like Hong Kong, hosts Jordan, Cambodia, Syria, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei and Brunei.

Pot 5 will have Lebanon, Nepal, Bhutan, Timor Leste, Guam, Maldives and Northern Mariana Islands. Pot 6 will just have three teams, featuring Macau, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

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