(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Drawn in Group B for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
August 7, 2025 –
The journey to the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 is officially underway as the draw for the qualification round was held on Thursday at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan’s U17 football team has been placed in Group B, where they will face a challenging set of fixtures in their bid to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
Group B: A Competitive Path Ahead
The qualifiers for Group B will be hosted in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, and will take place from November 22 to 30, 2025. Pakistan has been grouped alongside Yemen, Laos, Kyrgyz Republic (hosts), Cambodia, and Guam in what promises to be an exciting contest.
The group matches will follow a single round-robin format, with only the top team from each group advancing to the final tournament in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
🗓️ Pakistan’s U17 Qualifier Schedule
| Matchday | Date | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| MD1 | Saturday, 22 Nov | Cambodia vs Pakistan |
| MD2 | Monday, 24 Nov | Kyrgyz Republic vs Pakistan |
| MD3 | Wednesday, 26 Nov | Pakistan vs Laos |
| MD4 | Friday, 28 Nov | Pakistan vs Yemen |
| MD5 | Sunday, 30 Nov | Guam vs Pakistan |
A Golden Chance for Youth Football
The qualifiers present a major opportunity for Pakistan’s youth team to shine on the Asian football stage. With increased investment and focus on grassroots development, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) hopes the U17 squad can deliver a strong performance and secure historic qualification to the AFC U17 Asian Cup.
The final tournament is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 24, 2026, featuring top teams including Qatar, Uzbekistan, Japan, Korea Republic, DPR Korea, UAE, Indonesia, Tajikistan, and the host nation, Saudi Arabia. These teams will be joined by the seven group winners from the qualifying stage.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan prepares to kick off its qualifying campaign, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. With talent, determination, and growing support from football authorities, the Green Shirts’ U17 squad aims to make a lasting impression and take a big step forward in the nation’s football journey.
