Pakistan will take on hosts Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, Laos, Cambodia and Guam in Group ‘B’ of the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers after the official draw was held in Kuala Lumpur. The matches, scheduled from November 22 to 30, will be played in a single league format, with only the group winners from seven qualifying groups advancing to the tournament finals in Saudi Arabia. There, they will join nine AFC nations who have already secured their places by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, including powerhouses Japan, Korea Republic, and Uzbekistan.
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This will be Pakistan’s first attempt to return to the competition since their only appearance in 2002. The newly elected Pakistan Football Federation leadership, however, has yet to appoint a head coach for the Under-17 squad — a crucial decision with the qualifiers just months away.
Before the continental challenge, Pakistan’s young side will get an early test at the SAFF Under-17 Championship in Sri Lanka this September. Drawn in Group ‘B’ for the regional event, they will face India, Bhutan, and the Maldives, offering a key opportunity to build cohesion and assess their strength against South Asian rivals.
While Pakistan is competing in the men’s U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, the PFF opted not to field a team for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers in China. The women’s draw, held on the same day, revealed the participating nations, but Pakistan’s absence was noted as another missed opportunity for developing the women’s game at the youth level.
With a challenging road ahead, the Under-17 boys’ team will need careful preparation, strong leadership, and consistent performances to keep their hopes of reaching Saudi Arabia alive — and perhaps recreate a moment of history last seen over two decades ago.
