DPRK withdraws from U17 Asian Cup

The 21st U17 Asian Cup is set to kick off on May 5 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but reports have emerged that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will withdraw from the tournament. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has yet to make an official announcement.

Since late February, tensions in the Middle East have forced the cancellation or postponement of numerous football and sporting events. The U17 Asian Cup was once rumored to be moved to China. As tensions eased, many competitions resumed, though security concerns remain. Following the AFC Champions League Elite finals in Jeddah on April 25, the U17 Asian Cup was next on the calendar. However, news of the DPRK's withdrawal has surfaced, drawing particular attention from their Group D opponents.

The DPRK has not publicly stated the reason for its withdrawal, though the team has previously pulled out of major tournaments, notably due to overseas travel bans during the pandemic. Given ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East, Pyongyang reportedly views travel to Saudi Arabia as too risky.

According to sources, the AFC will not replace the DPRK. Group D will proceed with three teams—Uzbekistan, Australia, and India—playing a single round-robin, with the top two advancing. This leaves the tournament with 15 teams.

The DPRK reached the semifinals of the 2025 U17 Asian Cup, losing 3–0 to Uzbekistan, and later competed in the U17 World Cup in Qatar. As a result, their 2009-born team had automatically qualified for this edition, leaving no substitute.

Group D opens on May 6 with Australia vs. India; Uzbekistan have a bye. On May 10, Uzbekistan face India, and on May 13, Uzbekistan meet Australia.

China's 2009-born national team is currently preparing in Zhaoqing before heading to Jeddah. They will open their campaign against Indonesia on May 5.