Nine Asian teams have secured their spots in the U17 World Cup 2026, with Vietnam making a historic first appearance. This marks Vietnam as the only Southeast Asian nation to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

The U17 Asian Championship 2026 served as the qualifier, featuring 16 teams divided into 4 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with host nation Qatar, earned their tickets to the World Cup later this year. The four group winners were Saudi Arabia (Group A), Japan (Group B), Vietnam (Group C), and Uzbekistan (Group D). The four runners-up were Tajikistan (Group A), China (Group B), South Korea (Group C), and Australia (Group D).

Vietnam's qualification is a significant milestone, making it the 20th team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to participate in the U17 World Cup's history. Previously, Vietnam has competed in the men's Futsal World Cup (2016, 2021), the men's U20 World Cup 2017, and the Women's World Cup 2023.

Since its inception in 1985, Australia leads Asian teams with 13 U17 World Cup appearances, followed by Japan (12), South Korea and Qatar (9 each), China (7), Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan (5 each), and Tajikistan (4). Alongside host Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Japan, and South Korea have qualified for two consecutive tournaments. Australia's most recent participation before 2026 was in 2019, while China last appeared in 2005.

Among Asian nations, Saudi Arabia achieved the best result, winning the tournament in 1989. Australia was a runner-up in 1999, Qatar finished fourth in 1991, and Tajikistan reached the round of 16 in 2007. Other teams have reached the quarterfinals: Japan (1993, 2011, 2025), South Korea (1987, 2009, 2019), China (1985, 2005), and Uzbekistan (2011, 2023).

Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Minh Thuy (number 9) celebrates scoring to make it 2-1 with Nguyen Van Duong during the 3-2 victory over UAE in the final Group C match of the U17 Asian Championship 2026, held at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on 14/5. Photo: Song Hoa

The FIFA U17 World Cup is scheduled to be held annually in Qatar from 2025 to 2029. This year's tournament will take place from 19/11 to 13/12, featuring 48 participating teams. Five continental confederations, excluding Africa, have already determined their qualified teams.

Europe has the largest contingent with 11 teams: Spain, Belgium, Montenegro, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Romania, and Serbia.

Oceania will be represented by New Caledonia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Seven South American teams have qualified: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

North and Central America will send Costa Rica, Haiti, Panama, United States, Cuba, Honduras, Jamaica, and Mexico.

The U17 World Cup 2026 competition format is expected to be similar to last year's edition. In that format, 48 teams are divided into 12 groups, playing a single round-robin. The 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.

Japan (blue jersey) defeats Indonesia 3-1 in the final Group B match of the U17 Asian Championship 2026, held at the King Abdullah Sports City training ground in Saudi Arabia on 12/5. Photo: AFC

The U17 Asian Championship 2026 also determined the quarterfinal matchups. Vietnam is set to face Australia, with the winner advancing to play either Saudi Arabia or China in the semifinals. The other bracket features two clashes: Japan against Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan against South Korea. The quarterfinals will take place over three days, from 15/5 to 17/5, Hanoi time (GMT+7).

Japan leads in U17 Asian Championship quarterfinal appearances with 13, followed by South Korea (12), Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan (9 each), China and Australia (7 each), and Tajikistan (4). This marks Vietnam's third time reaching the quarterfinals, having previously done so in 2000 and 2016.

Vietnam's best performance in the U17 Asian Championship was a fourth-place finish in 2000. Japan is the most successful team with four titles (1994, 2006, 2018, 2023). South Korea, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and China each have two titles. Tajikistan was a runner-up in 2018, while Australia secured third place three times in 2010, 2014, and 2018.

Hieu Luong