CommBank Joeys Set Sights on ASEAN U17 Championship 2026 After Dominant Pacific Tour

The CommBank Joeys are gearing up for a massive 2026 campaign, with Head Coach Carl Veart naming a 23-player squad to defend their title at the ASEAN U17 Championship. After a flawless preparation run in the Pacific, Australia’s U17 national team is positioning itself for success both in Indonesia and at the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Defending the Crown in Surabaya

Australia enters the ASEAN U17 Championship 2026 as the defending champions, having secured the title in the 2024 edition of the tournament. The 2026 competition will take place in Surabaya, Indonesia, from April 8 to April 24.

Coach Carl Veart’s squad selection reflects a strategic blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. This tournament serves as a critical benchmark for the team’s development as they navigate the competitive landscape of Asian youth football.

Perfect Run: The PacificAus Sports Football Tour 2026

To build momentum, the CommBank Joeys completed a highly successful PacificAus Sports Football Tour in January 2026. The tour, supported by the Australian Government, saw the Joeys face off against older U-19 national teams from Fiji and the Solomon Islands.

The Joeys finished the tour with a perfect record, winning all three international fixtures:

• Australia 2-0 Fiji U-19: The tour opened on January 17 in Lautoka, with goals from Max Court and Joey Sikora securing the win.
• Australia 5-2 Solomon Islands U-19: In the second match on January 20, Luke Becvinovski stole the show with a hat-trick.
• Australia 3-1 Solomon Islands U-19: The tour concluded on January 24 in Honiara with goals from Malik Olukhale, Georgio Hassarati, and Luke Becvinovski.

Strategic Road to the AFC U17 Asian Cup

While the ASEAN Championship is a primary target, the broader objective for Carl Veart and his squad is the AFC U17 Asian Cup, scheduled for May in Saudi Arabia.

The Pacific tour provided essential international experience, challenging the Joeys by pitting them against physically more mature U-19 opponents. According to Coach Veart, these fixtures are designed to challenge the players on the pitch while strengthening football ties across the region.

Key Takeaways: CommBank Joeys 2026 Outlook

• Tournament Status: Defending champions of the ASEAN U17 Championship.
• Upcoming Event: ASEAN U17 Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia (April 8–24).
• Major Goal: AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia (May).
• Recent Form: 3 wins from 3 matches during the PacificAus Sports Tour.
• Standout Performer: Luke Becvinovski, who recorded four goals across the final two Pacific tour matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the head coach of the CommBank Joeys?

The CommBank Joeys are led by Head Coach Carl Veart.

Where is the ASEAN U17 Championship 2026 being held?

The tournament is being hosted in Surabaya, Indonesia, from April 8 to April 24, 2026.

Why did the Joeys play against U-19 teams in the Pacific?

The matches against Fiji and Solomon Islands U-19 teams provided key preparation and valuable international experience ahead of the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

What is the significance of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour?

Beyond player development, the tour aims to contribute to deeper football development and strengthen regional ties between Australia and Pacific nations.