India’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 ended after a 0-3 defeat to defending champions Uzbekistan in the final AFC U-17 Asian Cup Group D match at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Sunday.
The result saw the Blue Colts eliminated from the tournament, while Uzbekistan advanced from the group along with Australia.
Needing a win after a heavy defeat to Australia in the opener, India started cautiously as Uzbekistan dominated possession and tested the defense with quick attacking moves. Despite the pressure, goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar produced several important saves to keep India in the match.
However, India fell behind in the 32nd minute after Sarkar fouled Laziz Abduraimov in the penalty area while trying to intercept a strike. Abduraimov calmly converted the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.
India almost equalized in stoppage time of the first half when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam’s cross flashed across the goal, but no attacker could connect.
The Blue Colts showed more urgency after the break and came closest in the 56th minute when Dallalmuon Gangte’s free kick hit the crossbar. Heranganba Seram failed to convert the rebound from close range.
Uzbekistan doubled their lead four minutes later through an unfortunate own goal by Wangkhem Denny Singh from a corner. Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov sealed the victory in the 78th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound in the penalty area.
The defeat marked another missed opportunity for India’s first on-merit qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Published on May 11, 2026
