Korea Republic
Previous appearances: 16
Best finish: Champions (1986, 2002)
2025 record: Semi-finals
How they qualified: Top eight in 2025
Fixtures - May 6 v UAE; May 10 v Vietnam; May 13 v Yemen
Fun fact: Korea Republic have qualified for the semi-finals of the last three editions.

Despite Korea Republic's status as one of the continent's top sides, the AFC U17 Asian Cup hasn't proven to be a happy hunting ground and the East Asian side will be planning an all-out assault for the 2026 title.

Yemen
Previous appearances: 8 (including South Yemen in 1985)
Best finish: Runners-up (2002)
2025 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: Group B winners
Fixtures - May 6 v Vietnam; May 10 v UAE; May 13 v Korea Republic
Fun fact: Yemen will be making a fifth consecutive appearance in the Finals.

Yemen will be boosted by a sizzling performance in the Qualifiers, where they topped Group B with a perfect record of five wins.

Vietnam
Previous appearances: 9
Best finish: Semi-finals (2000)
2025 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: Group C winners
Fixtures - May 6 v Yemen; May 10 v Korea Republic; May 13 v UAE
Fun fact: Vietnam have qualified for every edition after missing out in 2012 and 2014.

Vietnam will be determined to carry their form from the Qualifiers - which saw them topping their group with five wins, 30 goals scored and none conceded - into the Finals.

United Arab Emirates
Previous appearances: 8
Best finish: Runners-up (1990)
2025 record: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Top eight in 2025 edition
Fixtures - May 6 v Korea Republic; May 10 v Yemen; May 13 v Vietnam
Fun fact: UAE have qualified for back-to-back editions for the first time since 2008 and 2010.

UAE's initial target will be to advance to the quarter-finals and confirm their ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.