Bhutan is gearing up for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, which kick off on Saturday in Jordan. Drawn into Group E, the Bhutanese side will take on Australia, Iraq, the Philippines, and the host nation, Jordan. Only the group winner will secure a spot at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The team leaves on Wednesday.
The Bhutan Under-17 squad has been training intensively for more than a month now. Players say they are prepared, confident, and excited to make their mark on the regional stage.
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen real progress in our teamwork and discipline. In terms of our readiness, we have prepared well tactically and physically. The boys understand their roles, and we have worked hard to make sure we can adapt to different situations during the match,” said Deychog Drakar Dorji, Captain.
“Playing four matches in one week is a big challenge. So, I am preparing by taking care of my body, resting well, staying hydrated and following the fitness work our coaches give us. I want to help the team by performing my role well, maintaining high energy and giving consistent effort in every game,” said Rigsel Tsewang Sonam, Bhutan.
“There has never been a tournament for students at this time of year before. However, we in Bhutan are currently taking exams. Tomorrow the exams will end and we will leave early the next morning. We prepared our weak points at the SAFF. And all we can do is get into good physical condition. It’s important. Anyway, we will get into our good physical condition, and we will do our best for Bhutan,” said Hideharu Takahashi, Coach, Bhutan.
Bhutan will take on host nation Jordan this Saturday in their opening match. The team will then face the Philippines on Monday, followed by a match against Australia next Wednesday. Bhutan will wrap up their campaign with a match against Iraq next Friday.
This year, thirty-eight countries are competing in the qualifiers. They have been divided into seven groups. It will be played in seven different countries; three groups of six teams and four groups of five.
Each group winner will qualify for the 16-team finals stage of the tournament, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in May 2026.
The seven group winners will join hosts Saudi Arabia in the finals, along with the eight other nations already qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
