The 12 teams who will vie for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup title in China is now finalised following the conclusion of the Qualifiers.
The eight group winners advanced, joining the four AFC representatives from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 who automatically qualified – DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic and hosts China PR – in the tournament which has been expanded from eight to 12 teams.
The Philippines advanced from Group A, qualifying for their second successive Finals with a 4-0 win over Malaysia as they ended their campaign with a perfect nine points.
Philippines got off to a great start, taking the lead in the sixth minute after Putri Aina’s punch from Jilliana Dagpin’s cross went straight to Luna Rivera who couldn’t miss from close range.
Putri Aina then produced a good stop to deny Chiara Mizzo from an acute angle after the Philippines midfielder had dribbled her way into the box.
Mizzo, however, wasn’t to be denied in the 23rd minute when she produced a stunning left foot curler from range that Putri Aina could do nothing about.
Malaysia went in search of a goal before half-time to give themselves a fighting chance but saw long range efforts from Nur Qistina and Nur Laila Syamila comfortably claimed by Leah Bradley.
Philippines were the first to threaten after the restart with Louraine Evangelista hitting the post from distance in the 53rd minute.
Pradhyum Reddy’s side piled on the pressure and got the third goal their play deserved in the 59th minute when Aiselyn Sia nodded home Kaida Mizzo’s corner delivery.
An own goal from Nur Dania ten minutes later put the seal on an impressive successful qualification for the Philippines.
Lebanon took the Group B top spot, turning on the power in the second half to defeat Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 to finish on seven points and confirm a debut appearance at the Finals.
Myanmar won Group C, their 1-0 win against Indonesia sealing a return to the Finals with their only previous appearance being in the 2009 edition.
Vietnam edged Hong Kong, China 1-0 to advance from Group D, with the Southeast Asian side to make only their second appearance in the Finals.
Australia confirmed a fourth consecutive Finals with an emphatic 11-0 defeat of Singapore to complete their Group E campaign with a perfect six points.
Thailand maintained their fine record of having competed in every edition by topping Group F after they added a 12-0 win over Nepal to the 17-0 defeat of Turkmenistan.
India, whose only previous appearance was in the inaugural edition in 2005, came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 2-1 to win Group G with the South Asian side having beaten Kyrgyz Republic by the same score line.
Chinese Taipei confirmed a first appearance at the continental stage since 2015 with a 5-0 win against Bangladesh, which secured the East Asian side the Group H top spot.
The draw for the 10th edition of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup is scheduled for February 12, 2026 with the tournament to take place on April 30 to May 17.
