The men's U17 national football team celebrating their West Asian championship title, after their victory on penalties in the final against Yemen, on Oct. 5, 2026, in Aqaba, Jordan. (Photo: Lebanese Football Association)
BEIRUT — The third time was the charm for Lebanon's young footballers. After two losses in the finals in 2022 and 2025, Lebanon's under-17 national team finally reached came out on top at the West Asian Championship on Monday in Aqaba, Jordan, overcoming Yemen on penalties (4-3) after a goalless draw (0-0).
As in the semifinal, Lebanon was able to count on goalkeeper Mahdi Makki, who saved two Yemeni attempts during the decisive shootout before being named the best goalkeeper of the tournament. The young Lebanese team had already qualified for the final via penalties against host nation Jordan (3-1), after another 0-0 draw.
Coached by Rami Ladqi, the young Lebanese began their campaign with two victories in the group stage, 4-0 against Syria and then 1-0 against Palestine, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Yemen in the final group game. Second in their group with six points, they met again in the final the only opponent to have beaten them during the tournament.
This West Asian title marks a historic milestone for Lebanese football: no boys' youth team had ever won this competition, created in the early 2000s, in any category. They now join the youth women's teams, who have claimed three titles: in 2019 for both U15 and U18, and again in 2022 in the latter category.
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