Indonesia Leads 16-Team Line-Up for 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup

The qualification campaign for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup concluded on September 6, 2026, after 44 nations competed across eight groups for places in the finals. Eight group winners secured automatic qualification, while seven of the best runners-up also earned their spots. Indonesia U-20 emerged as one of the standout teams, finishing top of Group H ahead of Australia U-20 and Laos U-20.

Nova Arianto's Indonesia side made a major statement by defeating Australia U-20 2-0, a result that played a key role in securing first place. The other group winners were South Korea U-20 from Group A, Uzbekistan U-20 from Group B, North Korea U-20 from Group C, Tajikistan U-20 from Group D, Saudi Arabia U-20 from Group E, Iraq U-20 from Group F, and Japan U-20 from Group G.

The seven best runners-up completing the qualified teams are Lebanon, Oman, Iran, Jordan, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. They will join hosts China U-20 to form the 16-team tournament field, which will be divided into four groups. The competition will also carry major significance, as the four semifinalists will qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

List of Participants for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup

China - Host

South Korea - Group A Winner

Uzbekistan - Group B Winner

North Korea - Group C Winner

Tajikistan - Group D Winner

Saudi Arabia - Group E Winner

Iraq - Group F Winner

Japan - Group G Winner

Indonesia - Group H Winner

Lebanon - Best Runner-up

Oman - 2nd Best Runner-up

Iran - 3rd Best Runner-up

Jordan - 4th Best Runner-up

Thailand - 5th Best Runner-up

India - 6th Best Runner-up

Malaysia - 7th Best Runner-up