Saudi Arabia to Host U-17 Asian Cup for Three Consecutive Years Through 2028
Saudi Arabia has officially been selected by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the AFC U-17 Asian Cup for three consecutive editions—2026, 2027, and 2028. This decision comes as part of the tournament's new annual format, which aligns with the scheduling of the U-17 FIFA World Cup. Previously held every two years, the AFC U-17 competition is now staged annually to serve as a direct qualifier for the global event.
The 2025 edition of the tournament, also hosted by Saudi Arabia, concluded with Uzbekistan crowned as champions after defeating the host nation in the final. The top eight teams from this tournament earned spots in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Among them was Indonesia, which managed to reach the quarterfinal stage and secure qualification, despite falling short of a semifinal appearance following a heavy defeat to North Korea.
With Saudi Arabia set to host the next three editions, the kingdom solidifies its growing influence in Asian football. This move not only enhances its status as a regional sports hub but also offers continuity and consistency in tournament organization. For countries like Indonesia, the annual competition provides more frequent high-level exposure for young talents aiming to perform on the world stage.
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