Uzbekistan U17 – News Analysis India https://newsanalysisindia.com The news you need to know, explained Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Tough Group D for India at AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 with Uzbekistan, Australia https://newsanalysisindia.com/sports/tough-group-d-for-india-at-afc-u17-asian-cup-2026-with-uzbekistan-australia/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/tough-group-d-for-india-at-afc-u17-asian-cup-2026-with-uzbekistan-australia/ The draw for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 has handed India a formidable Group D lineup: current titleholders Uzbekistan, resurgent Australia, and battle-hardened DPR Korea (North Korea). Announced from AFC’s Kuala Lumpur base, this grouping sets the stage for intense battles in Saudi Arabia from May 5-22.

Advancing to quarterfinals means automatic tickets to FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar. India, the ‘Blue Colts,’ kick off against Australia before facing Uzbekistan and DPR Korea. Their qualification was historic, marking the 10th time after triumphs over Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei.

Uzbekistan rides high as defending champs with bye to finals. Australia, eliminated early in 2025, qualified by defeating Jordan, Bhutan, Philippines. DPR Korea, two-time champions and 2025 semis reachers, also gained direct entry.

Experts label Group D as the tournament’s toughest. Full group breakdown: A – Saudi Arabia (hosts), Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar; B – Japan, Indonesia, China PR, Qatar; C – Korea Republic, Yemen, Vietnam, UAE; D – Uzbekistan, Australia, India, DPR Korea.

India’s youngsters eye glory, determined to rise amid the pressure and claim a World Cup berth.

]]>