India’s under-17 football team exited the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in disappointment, falling 0-3 to defending champions Uzbekistan in their final Group D match in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The result ended India’s campaign at the group stage and extinguished their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar 2026 for the first time on merit.
Uzbekistan’s victory sealed World Cup berths for themselves and Australia, who will now contest for the group’s top spot.
Knowing that only a win could keep their World Cup dream alive after a 4-0 opening loss to Australia, India started cautiously.
Uzbekistan controlled possession early on, repeatedly stretching India’s defence with direct runs and quick movement in the final third.
India remained disciplined defensively for much of the first half, with goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar making crucial saves to keep the Uzbek attackers at bay.
However, the resistance was broken in the 32nd minute. Sarkar rushed out of his line to intercept an attack but fouled Laziz Abduraimov inside the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, and Abduraimov calmly converted with a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Uzbekistan nearly doubled the lead just before halftime when Sukhrob Sadirzhonov hit the post in the 43rd minute.
India almost equalised in first-half stoppage time, but Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam’s cross across the face of goal found no finishing touch.
After the break, India pushed forward with greater intent and came close in the 56th minute. A superb free-kick from Dallalmuon Gangte rattled the crossbar, and Heeranganba Seram failed to convert the rebound from close range.
That miss proved costly. Uzbekistan continued to press, with Sarkar producing fine saves to deny Sadirzhonov and Abubakir Rakhimov.
The defending champions doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Wangkhem Denny Singh inadvertently turned Makhmud Muradov’s corner into his own net.
India kept fighting but Uzbekistan sealed the win in the 78th minute. Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov reacted quickest after his initial effort was blocked and fired the rebound past Sarkar.
The defeat ended India’s Asian Cup journey, marking another painful near miss in their quest for a maiden on-merit qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.