The CAFA U17 Championship 2026 has successfully concluded, with Tajikistan crowned champions for the second consecutive year, reaffirming their strong position in youth football across the Central Asian region.
The tournament was held from 6 to 13 April 2026 at the Dustlik Stadium, featuring a single round-robin format among five participating teams. Across 10 matches, the competition delivered exciting and competitive football, with a total of 36 goals scored, highlighting the attacking quality and emerging talent in the region.
Tajikistan demonstrated consistency and quality throughout the competition, securing the title through strong performances and maintaining their status as back-to-back champions.
Uzbekistan, playing on home soil, delivered an impressive campaign, finishing second without a single defeat, showcasing excellent technical ability and tactical discipline.
The Kyrgyz Republic secured third place, recording two victories and demonstrating clear progress and competitive spirit.
Final Standings
- Tajikistan – Champions
- Uzbekistan – Runners-up
- Kyrgyz Republic – Third Place
Individual Awards
- Fair Play Award: AFG
- Best Goalkeeper: Azizbek Berdiev (Uzbekistan)
- Top Goalscorer: Siyovush Nazarov (Tajikistan) – 4 Goals
- Most Valuable Player: Bikhishti Radzhabzod (Tajikistan)
Strong Digital Reach and Fan Engagement
The tournament also demonstrated strong engagement across digital platforms. Thousands of fans followed the matches live via the CAFA YouTube Channel, while millions of views were generated across CAFA’s social media platforms, reflecting the growing interest in youth football within the region and beyond.
A Platform for the Future
The core objective of the CAFA U17 Championship remains the creation of a competitive platform for young players to prepare for continental and global-level competitions. The tournament plays a crucial role in developing future national team players and strengthening the overall football ecosystem in Central Asia.
With high-quality matches, emerging talents, and increasing audience engagement, the CAFA U17 Championship continues to serve as an important step in the pathway toward success at the Asian and world stage.
