India will face Lebanon in its last Group B fixture in the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 on Friday.
After facing the two heavyweight sides of the group, Australia and Japan, the equation for India at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 has now become clear.
How can India qualify for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Quarterfinals?
A victory against the Lebanese could be enough to seal a historic first-ever qualification to the knockout stage of the competition for the Young Tigresses.
Despite defeats against Australia (0-2) and Japan (0-3), India remains alive in the race for the knockout stage as one of the two best third-placed teams. India currently holds a superior goal difference of -5 compared to Group C sides Philippines (-13) and Chinese Taipei (-14), who face each other on the final matchday. That means either side would require a heavy-margin victory to overtake India’s goal difference if the Young Tigresses defeat Lebanon.
Furthermore, if Thursday evening’s Group A fixture between Vietnam and Myanmar ends in a draw or the latter wins by less than three goals, India will confirm its place in the last eight with a victory, irrespective of the Group C result.
Published on May 07, 2026