New Delhi: India have been drawn in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Syria and Iraq for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, following the official draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

The Young Tigresses will be looking to secure qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the second consecutive edition after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the previous tournament.

India to Begin Campaign Against Iraq

Group E matches will be hosted by Malaysia from October 5 to 11, 2026, and played in a single round-robin format.

India’s schedule is as follows:

• Matchday 1: India vs Iraq
• Matchday 2: Syria vs India
• Matchday 3: India vs Malaysia

Only the group winners will qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027, which will be held in Suzhou from March 31 to April 17, 2027.

Qualification Path to FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

A total of 30 teams were divided into eight qualifying groups based on rankings from the previous three editions of the tournament. India were placed in Pot 1 during the draw.

The eight group winners will join the four teams that earned direct qualification from the 2026 edition—defending champions DPR Korea, Japan, Australia, and hosts China.

The four semi-finalists of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 will also qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2027.

Group E

• India
• Malaysia (Hosts)
• Syria
• Iraq