India qualified for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup 2026 by defeating Iran 2-1 in their last Group D match at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on Sunday. This marks India’s 10th appearance in the continental tournament, having previously participated in 1990, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2023. India’s best results came in 2002 and 2018 when it reached the quarterfinals.
India needed a win to advance, while Iran required only a draw. Iran took the lead through Amirreza Valipoor in the 19th minute. India’s captain, Dallalmuon Gangte, equalized with a penalty just before halftime. The comeback was completed in the 52nd minute when Gunleiba Wangheirakpam scored with a slight deflection.
This Indian team will join the senior women’s, U-20 women’s, and U-17 women’s teams as representatives at next year’s Asian Cup. Coach Bibiano Fernandes expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and the achievement of qualifying for the tournament.