List of Teams Qualified for the Quarter Finals of the U-17 Asian Cup 2025 and Complete Schedule of the Indonesian National Team

Kapanlagi.com - The brilliant performance of the Indonesian U-17 national team in the 2025 Asian Cup has captured public attention after achieving an extraordinary feat by sweeping all matches in the group stage. With three consecutive victories, Garuda Asia confidently advances to the quarter-finals as the champion of Group C. This historic moment marks a new milestone for the development of youth football in Indonesia on the Asian stage.

However, a big challenge awaits! Indonesia will face North Korea, one of the most successful teams in the history of this competition. The Kim Jong-un nation has won the U-17 Asian Cup title twice, in 2010 and 2014. They qualified as the runner-up of Group D after drawing against Oman.

This battle is not just about securing a semifinal ticket, but also serves as a measure of Indonesia's readiness ahead of the U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar. This prestigious tournament will take place from November 3 to 27, and eight Asian teams, including Indonesia, have already secured their spots.

1. Perfect Journey in the Group Stage

The Indonesian U-17 national team recorded a convincing performance throughout the Group C qualifying round. They played flawlessly, achieving three victories in three matches, a feat that is quite rare in this major tournament. The opponents faced were not ordinary teams, including South Korea, which is usually a major force in Asia.

The opening match against South Korea signaled the strength of the Garuda Muda after they won narrowly 1-0. The match showcased a solid defense and effective finishing from Indonesia. The team's confidence increased drastically after this important victory.

The second match against Yemen ended with a score of 4-1, demonstrating that this team also has incredible striking power. Then, in the final match against Afghanistan, Indonesia was held back until the 90th minute. However, two dramatic goals from Fadly Alberto (90+2') and Zahaby Gholy (90+4') secured a 2-0 victory and ensured the top position in the standings.

2. North Korea Advances from Group D

North Korea secured a ticket to the quarter-finals as the runner-up of Group D. They drew with hosts Oman 2-2 in a fiercely contested match. This result was enough to take them to the next round thanks to their superior accumulated points over Oman.

In the same group, Tajikistan made a surprising appearance by becoming the group champion after defeating Iran 3-1. This also directly impacted the quarter-final lineup, as Indonesia, the champion of Group C, automatically faced the runner-up of Group D. Thus, North Korea, with two championship titles, will be the first challenge for the national team in the knockout phase.

North Korea's journey cannot be underestimated. In addition to experience, they are also known as a team with a disciplined playing system and strong in transitions. North Korea has been champion twice, in 2010 and 2014.

3. Complete List of Teams Qualified for the U-17 World Cup 2025

A total of 46 out of 48 participants in the U-17 World Cup 2025 have been confirmed to qualify. The tournament will be held in Qatar, with Asia contributing nine representatives — the eight best teams from the U-17 Asian Cup and the host Qatar. Indonesia's success in reaching the top eight automatically secures a ticket to the world tournament.

The Asian representatives that qualified include Qatar, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, UAE, South Korea, North Korea, Tajikistan, and Indonesia. Africa still has two slots remaining, while all other zones such as Europe, America, and Oceania are already filled. The CONMEBOL zone is sending Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Colombia.

Of the total 48 participants in the U-17 World Cup 2025, 46 teams have now confirmed their participation in Qatar from November 3–27. The remaining two slots from Africa will be determined through playoffs between Uganda vs Gambia and Egypt vs Angola.

4. Complete Schedule of the U-17 Asian Cup Quarter Finals 2025

The quarter-final matches will be held over two days from Sunday, April 13 to Monday, April 14, 2025. Indonesia is scheduled to play on Monday at 21:00 WIB against North Korea, in a do-or-die match held in Saudi Arabia. This match will also serve as a test of the coach's tactics and the mental strength of the young Indonesian players.

In another match, Japan will face Saudi Arabia on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates will play against Uzbekistan on the same day. Tajikistan will take on South Korea in a match on Tuesday morning.

All eight teams playing in this quarter-final are guaranteed to appear in the U-17 World Cup. However, whoever advances to the semi-finals will carry more prestige as the young kings of Asia. Each team has a high motivation to show that they are not just participants at the world level later.

5. Opportunities and Challenges for the Young Garuda

Although on paper North Korea is more experienced, the Indonesian U-17 national team is currently filled with high confidence. Three victories in the group stage provide a strong psychological boost for the players. A combination of fast attacking play and disciplined defense becomes the main weapon of Garuda Muda.

However, the match against a team like North Korea will demand extra concentration. They are known as a team with a high tempo and organized play. Furthermore, their experience in the later stages adds value to their advantage.

The Indonesian coach is predicted to rely on the main squad that has been consistent in the previous three matches. Players like Fadly Alberto and Zahaby Gholy are the mainstays in creating opportunities. If they can handle the pressure and play freely, it is not impossible for Indonesia to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1990.

6. FAQ

Q: When will the Indonesia vs North Korea U-17 match take place?

A: The match will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 21:00 WIB.

Q: Has Indonesia qualified for the U-17 World Cup 2025?

A: Yes, Indonesia automatically qualified for the U-17 World Cup as they reached the quarter-finals of the U-17 Asian Cup 2025.

Q: Who are the key players of the Indonesian U-17 national team?

A: Fadly Alberto and Zahaby Gholy have performed impressively, each scoring important goals in the last group stage match.

Q: Where will the U-17 World Cup 2025 be held?

A: The tournament will be held in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2025.

Q: Which other Asian teams have qualified for the U-17 World Cup 2025?

A: In addition to Indonesia, there are South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar (the host).

(kpl/rmt)