One of the stadiums hosting the Asian Championship.

RIYADH, March 4: Saudi Arabia is set to host the AFC U-17 Championship from April 3 to 20, featuring 16 teams competing in the cities of Jeddah and Taif.

This edition of the tournament introduces a new format, with the top eight teams earning qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Qatar will host from November 5 to 27, 2025. The upcoming World Cup will make history as the first to feature 48 teams.

The draw, held last January, placed host nation Saudi Arabia at the top of Group 1 alongside Uzbekistan, Thailand, and China. Group 2 consists of Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and the UAE, while Group 3 features South Korea, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Indonesia. Group 4 includes Iran, Tajikistan, Oman, and North Korea.

Saudi Football Federation President Yasser bin Hassan Al-Misehal welcomed the participating teams, expressing his hopes for a competitive tournament that reflects the strength of Asian football.

Al-Misehal emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the AFC U-17 Championship is part of its broader commitment to staging major sporting events. He credited the Kingdom’s leadership for its support of the sports sector, particularly football, and praised the Ministry of Sports for its efforts in ensuring the success of such prestigious tournaments.