BFF bid to host AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

With eyes set on securing a place in the final round of the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has submitted a bid to host the qualifiers of the 43rd edition of the continental youth championship, scheduled for August 2026.

Bangladesh last hosted the qualifiers in 2012. The country also hosted the final round of the AFC Youth Championship 1978 in Dhaka and has featured in the final rounds on four occasions -- 1978, 1980, 1996, and 2002. However, Bangladesh have failed to qualify for the final round in their last 11 attempts over the past 24 years.

The BFF development committee, which oversees the national age-group teams, has been encouraged by the recent success of the Bangladesh U-20 side, who won the SAFF U-20 Championship in the Maldives by defeating India in a penalty shootout -- reclaiming the regional title for the second time.

“The AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers are set to begin on August 25, and we have proposed to the AFC to host the matches in Dhaka. The AFC is actively considering Bangladesh, and we are optimistic about being awarded one of the qualifying groups,” said BFF vice-president and development committee chairman Nasser Shahrear Zahedee after a meeting at the BFF House on Sunday.

Zahedee also revealed plans to appoint foreign coaches at youth levels, alongside local coaches, to improve tactical and technical development.

“We are considering appointing foreign coaches for age-group teams such as U-20, U-19, U-17, and U-16. We need a blend of new tactics and techniques from foreign expertise. The appointment notice has already been published, and we hope to bring in foreign youth coaches from May,” he said.

Outlining preparation plans, Zahedee added that the U-20 team will undergo a six-week training camp and play at least five practice matches -- including fixtures against both local and overseas opponents.

“We are also planning to hold trials for the U-17 team with around 200 players and send the final squad abroad to compete in one or two academy tournaments as part of their preparation for November’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers,” he added.