Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have become the latest teams to book their places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™.
The AFC trio have punched their tickets via their respective groups at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which ensures they will join hosts Qatar among the nine representatives from their confederation.
Japan followed up their opening Group B victory over Qatar with a 2-1 success against China PR thanks to goals in either half from Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara. With the U-17 World Cup hosts also in their section, Japan are assured of qualification for the global event.
In Group A, Saudia Arabia overcame Thailand 2-0 thanks to an early effort from Marwan Al Yami and a late Hassan Al Okrush goal, giving them six points from two games after defeating Myanmar in their first fixture.
In the same group, Tajikistan now also hold a similarly unassailable advantage after two wins from two games, edging out Myanmar 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Asadbek Makhtumov’s first-half goal, following their opening 2-0 success against Thailand.
There is potential for further qualifiers on Sunday, with the second round of games in Groups C and D, with the full picture to be confirmed with the final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.
