Southeast Asian teams face decisive final matches in 2027 AFC U20 qualifiers

The final evening of the 2027 AFC U20 qualifiers brings decisive matches for Southeast Asian teams across eight groups. Vietnamese fans are especially focused on the region’s representatives as the campaign closes on September 6.

Indonesia’s U20 side plays Australia first. To protect its position at the top of the group, Indonesia must beat Australia. Malaysia will then face Laos at 7:30 p.m. and needs a victory, while also waiting for the result of the Indonesia-Australia match. Malaysia will know that result before its own match begins.

Vietnam will meet Iran at the same time, although the Vietnamese team can no longer finish first and qualify as group winner. Cambodia will play Iraq according to the match listing in the article, while the text later says Cambodia needs at least one point against Kuwait to finish second in Group G. That position could guarantee a place in the finals.

Thailand will face Iraq at 7:30 p.m. The Thai team needs one point to secure first place, a target the article describes as within reach.

The qualifying tournament runs from August 31 to September 6, 2026, with 31 teams divided among eight groups. Seven groups contain four teams and one contains three. Matches are being played in Vietnam, Bahrain, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Qatar, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

After the qualifiers, the eight group winners and the seven best second-place teams, 15 teams in total, will join host China in the 2027 AFC U20 Championship.