Ho Chi Minh City:A record 29 teams are set to begin their journey to qualify for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 when the Qualifiers commence on October 5.

According to Emirates News Agency, this year's Qualifiers feature the largest-ever number of teams, surpassing the previous record of 28 in 2019. Eight spots are available for the 11th edition of the Finals, with only the winners of each of the eight groups advancing. These teams will join the top four finishers from 2026 who have already qualified: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, and China.

Bhutan is making its debut in these Qualifiers, which are being held for the ninth time since their inception in 2009. Eleven other teams, including the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, and Iraq, are aiming to qualify for their first Finals appearance.

The Republic of Korea will start their campaign in Group A in Tajikistan against the United Arab Emirates, while Jordan will face hosts Tajikistan. In Group B, Indonesia will compete against Bahrain in Singapore, with the hosts taking on Saudi Arabia. Group C in Laos will feature Chinese Taipei against Cambodia and Laos against Cambodia following Iran's withdrawal.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Group D matches will have Kyrgyz Republic against Northern Mariana Islands, and Vietnam against Palestine. Group E in Malaysia sees India against Iraq, and the hosts playing Syria. Group F matches in Thailand include Lebanon against Macau and Thailand against Bhutan.

Group G at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon will see Guam face hosts Myanmar, with Hong Kong starting against Guam. Lastly, Group H in Tashkent will feature Uzbekistan against the Philippines, and Bangladesh against Uzbekistan on October 8, as both aim for a spot in the Finals.