Tashkent, Sep 2026 : India booked their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament for the first time in 20 years after defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifying match in Tashkent on Sunday.
Danny Meitei Laishram put India ahead in the 25th minute, giving the Blue Colts a crucial advantage. Vishal Yadav then doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark with an acrobatic finish, before substitute Md Arbash completed the scoring in the 79th minute.
The victory was India’s second in the qualifying campaign and took them to six points from three matches. However, their qualification was dependent on the outcome of the other Group B fixture between hosts Uzbekistan and Syria.
Uzbekistan’s 3-0 victory over Syria eventually confirmed India’s progress as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups. India’s qualification marks their return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a two-decade absence. Their last appearance came in 2006.
Uzbekistan topped Group B with nine points from three matches, while Syria finished third with three points. Bangladesh endured a difficult campaign, losing all three of their matches and being relegated to the Development Phase.
India’s successful qualifying campaign now sets up an opportunity for the young side to test itself against some of the continent’s strongest youth teams. The AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament is scheduled to be held in China from March 24 to April 10 next year.
The qualification represents a significant milestone for Indian youth football, ending a 20-year wait for a place in the tournament’s main competition. The Blue Colts will now turn their attention towards preparing for the continental tournament, where they will aim to make an impact against Asia’s leading U20 teams.
