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India U-17 Men Gain Edge; Women Head to China.

4/28/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

India's men’s U-17 team improved its World Cup qualification prospects after North Korea withdrew, leaving a three-team group with Australia and Uzbekistan.
India must finish in the top two to advance.
The women’s U-17 “Young Tigresses” arrived in Suzhou, China, and will play Australia (May 2), Japan (May 5) and Lebanon (May 8) at Suzhou Taihu Stadium under coach Pamela Conti, who guided them to the SAFF U-19 title in February.

History

Historical Context

North Korea’s 2002 pull-out from AFC World Cup qualifying left Japan, Uzbekistan and South Korea in a three-team Group 2, each playing six matches and Japan winning with 13 points. The same pattern reappears in 2024 as North Korea again withdraws, forcing India’s U-17 side into a three-team group with Australia and Uzbekistan, heightening the pressure to finish in the top two.

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Story summary

India's men’s U-17 team improved its World Cup qualification prospects after North Korea withdrew, leaving a three-team group with Australia and Uzbekistan.
India must finish in the top two to advance.
The women’s U-17 “Young Tigresses” arrived in Suzhou, China, and will play Australia (May 2), Japan (May 5) and Lebanon (May 8) at Suzhou Taihu Stadium under coach Pamela Conti, who guided them to the SAFF U-19 title in February.

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