India were handed a reality check by Australia in their opening match of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday.Chasing a historic FIFA U-17 World Cup spot, India’s confidence was punctured by a fifth-minute strike from Luke Becvinovski, before Max Court converted a penalty at the half an hour mark. In the second half, the Joeys scored through Luka Demuth and Henrique Oliveira to ensure a comfortable 4-0 win.The win puts Australia in a comfortable position in the three-team Group C with India needing victory against Uzbekistan on Sunday to stay in contention for a knockout stage spot and a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.India will look at the scoreline and wonder how they drew a blank, particularly after creating several chances in the second half. Bibiano Fernandes’ side used pace to good effect, but every time they found their way inside the Australia box, the forwards could not give the finishing touch.Azlaan Shah hit the side netting from close in the first half, while Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam headed wide from close range and Wangkhem Denny forced a save off Australia goalkeeper Charlie Wilson-Papps.Another chance went begging for India when Raj Singh nodded a rebound wide after the goalkeeper had saved Azlaan’s initial strike.
