Iran stunned by India to miss out on U17 Asian Cup finals
Iran failed to secure a place in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup after a 2–1 defeat to India on the final day of the qualifiers in Ahmedabad, India.
Sunday’s result saw India leapfrog Iran to the top of the Group D standings on goal difference, with both sides finishing on seven points, and book its place among the 12 teams heading to next May’s finals in Saudi Arabia.
Needing only a draw to qualify, Iran broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Amirreza Valipour controlled a through ball with a deft touch before slotting into the bottom-right corner.
The host clawed its way back after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Heeranganba Seram, with Dallalmuon Gangte making no mistake from the spot as he sent Iranian goalkeeper Bardiya Dorri the wrong way.
India then went ahead in the 52nd minute after Amirmahan Afrouziani failed to clear a cross, allowing Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam to drill a low shot that slipped past Dorri into the bottom-right corner.
Iran pushed bodies forward but could not mount a comeback as India held on for the win, leaving the 2008 champion to miss out on the finals for the first time since the 2002 edition.
Iran had begun its qualification campaign with a commanding 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei, followed by a 1-1 draw against Lebanon, before coming from behind to beat Palestine 3-1 on Friday to stay in pole position prior to the final match.