Indonesia U-17 Qualifies for FIFA U-17 World Cup for the First Time via AFC Qualification

The Indonesia U-17 national team has written a new chapter in football history by securing their first-ever qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup through the AFC qualifying route — a landmark achievement for the Southeast Asian nation.

In their second Group C match of the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, held at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Nova Arianto’s squad produced a commanding performance to defeat Yemen 4-1.

• Zahaby Gholy opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a brilliant long-range effort.

• Ten minutes later, Fadly Alberto doubled the lead with a clinical header, assisted by Gholy.

• Yemen responded in the 52nd minute through a penalty goal by Mohammed Al Garash.

As the match neared its end, Evandra Florasta stole the spotlight with two quick-fire goals in the 87th and 89th minutes — sealing an emphatic win for Young Garuda.

In the other Group C match, South Korea’s win over Afghanistan mathematically confirmed Indonesia’s progression to the quarter-finals and secured a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. With 6 points from two matches, Indonesia cannot be overtaken by Yemen (3 points) in the standings due to superior head-to-head records.

This achievement marks a historic milestone for Indonesian football, as it is the first time the national team has qualified for the U-17 World Cup by merit, rather than as host.