Kuya Food Express – The AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 officially commenced in Saudi Arabia, running from May 5 to May 22, 2026. This prestigious youth tournament serves as a crucial platform for Asian nations to showcase the caliber of their next generation of football stars, with the Indonesia U-17 National Team among the key contenders.
Nicknamed the Garuda Muda, the Indonesian squad arrives with high spirits, building on a promising performance in the previous edition. Under the guidance of head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, they carry significant hopes of advancing deep into the tournament and ultimately securing a coveted spot at the U-17 World Cup 2026.
Indonesia finds itself in a challenging Group B, alongside football powerhouses Japan, China, and Qatar. This quartet is widely considered one of the most competitive groups, featuring teams with strong traditions in youth player development. Nevertheless, the Indonesia U-17 National Team is confident in its ability to spring a surprise.
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In their opening fixture, Indonesia successfully secured a narrow 1-0 victory over China. This crucial win provides significant momentum as they prepare to face Qatar in their second match, scheduled for Saturday night WIB. Earning an additional three points from this encounter would greatly enhance the Garuda Muda‘s prospects of progressing to the knockout stage.
The tournament’s stringent format intensifies the competition, requiring each team to finish either as group winner or runner-up to qualify for the quarterfinals. Furthermore, the coveted tickets to the U-17 World Cup 2026 are exclusively awarded to the teams that successfully reach the top eight.
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Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto emphasized his team’s commitment to delivering a maximum effort in every match. He highlighted mental fortitude and game discipline as critical factors when confronting strong Asian opponents.
Meanwhile, Japan asserted its favoritism in Group B by defeating Qatar 3-1 in their opening fixture. The highly anticipated clash between Indonesia and Japan in the final group stage match is widely predicted to be a decisive encounter for qualification.
Here is the full breakdown of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 groups:
- Group A consists of Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, and Myanmar.
- Group B features Indonesia, Japan, China, and Qatar.
- Group C includes South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Group D is comprised of Uzbekistan, Australia, and India.
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The schedule for the Indonesia U-17 National Team‘s group stage matches is as follows:
- Indonesia 1-0 China (Match concluded)
- Indonesia vs. Qatar, Saturday, May 9, 2026, 23:30 WIB
- Indonesia vs. Japan, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 23:00 WIB
Beyond Indonesia’s fixtures, other matches across the groups are also proving to be highly engaging. Saudi Arabia delivered a convincing performance in Group A, dominating Myanmar with a four-goal victory. Similarly, Australia showcased its strength by securing a decisive win against India in Group D.
The AFC U-17 Asian Cup consistently serves as a fertile ground for the emergence of Asia’s finest young talents. Many renowned players began their international careers in this competition before ultimately shining at the senior level. For Indonesia, this tournament transcends mere match results; the presence of gifted young players signifies a positive trajectory in national youth football development.
Enthusiastic fan support is expected to further motivate the players, empowering them to perform with confidence on the field. All matches of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 are available for streaming via Vision+ and RCTI+. Specifically, the Indonesia U-17 National Team‘s matches will also be broadcast live on RCTI, allowing Garuda Muda supporters to cheer for their team from home.
Should Indonesia maintain their game consistency and discipline, their prospects of making history once again at the Asian level are significantly wide open. The national football public eagerly awaits the Garuda Muda‘s journey as they strive to reach the global stage.
Summary
The 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup is currently taking place in Saudi Arabia from May 5 to May 22, serving as a critical pathway for teams to qualify for the 2026 U-17 World Cup. The Indonesia U-17 team, led by coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, is competing in the highly competitive Group B alongside Japan, China, and Qatar. After a successful opening 1-0 victory against China, the squad is focused on securing a top-two group finish to reach the quarterfinals and earn a coveted spot in the global tournament.
To advance, the Indonesian team must maintain high levels of discipline and mental fortitude in their remaining group stage matches against Qatar and Japan. Reaching the tournament’s top eight is the primary objective, as these positions guarantee qualification for the U-17 World Cup. Fans can follow the team’s progress through live broadcasts on RCTI and streaming services, as the nation looks to its young talents to make history on the international stage.