RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian U-17 national futball team faces a challenging road ahead after being placed in Group B of the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, according to the official draw conducted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, February 12.

Group B features some of the tournament’s most successful teams. Japan, the record holder with four titles (1994, 2006, 2018, and 2023), headlines the group. China, with two championships, joins as another formidable opponent, alongside Qatar, which won the competition once in 1990.

The tournament will bring together 16 teams divided into four groups of four, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from April 30 to May 17, 2026.

Indonesia secured automatic qualification for the finals, along with eight other nations, following its successful campaign at the 2025 U-17 World Cup. Under coach Nova Arianto, the team reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, ensuring its place in the next edition.

In preparation, Indonesia has already tested its strength against China in two friendly matches at Indomilk Arena, Tangerang, though both ended in defeat.

Full group draw for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup:

• 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.

With Japan’s pedigree and China’s historical success, Group B is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most competitive sections, offering Indonesia a stern test as it seeks to build on its recent youth football progress. ***