RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian U-17 national team is focusing on a strong opening performance as it prepares to face China in a Group B match at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, setting the tone for a challenging group-stage campaign.

Head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto said the team has undergone thorough evaluation and tactical adjustments ahead of the opener.

“We all agreed to introspect. We have evaluated and made improvements, and hopefully the remaining time before the first match can be used to focus on tactical training to face China,” he said via the national team’s official Instagram account on Monday, May 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the team showed encouraging progress during its latest friendly against Saudi Arabia, particularly in implementing game strategies more effectively.

Indonesia will begin its campaign against China on Tuesday, May 5, at King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in what is expected to be a decisive early test for the young squad.

Drawn in Group B alongside China, Japan, and Qatar, Indonesia faces a highly competitive field, with all teams considered evenly matched. After the opening match, Indonesia will take on Qatar on May 9 before concluding the group stage against Japan on May 12. ***