India qualifies for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup

India came back from a goal down on Sunday to beat Iran 2-1 at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad to qualify for the 2026 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup.

This will be India’s tenth appearance in the continental tournament: the country has previously played in 1990, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2023. The best result in the competition remains reaching the quarter-finals, which it also did in 2002 and 2018.

Bibiano Fernandes’ boys needed a win in this match against Iran to advance, while the latter had already secured his place in next year’s tournament with just a draw.

Amirreza Valipoor’s goal in the 19th minute gave Iran the lead before India captain Dallalmuon Gangte’s strike from the penalty spot restored parity during first-half stoppage time.

The Blue Colts’ comeback was complete when Gunleiba Wangheirakpam’s shot took a slight deflection and settled into the back of the net, giving India the lead for the first time in the match in the 52nd minute.

This is the fourth Indian team that will play in the respective Asian Cup editions next year, joining the senior women’s team, U-20 women’s team and U-17 women’s team in Asia.

Published on November 30, 2025