Analyzing Armenia U19 squad and their chances in the Euro 2027 qualifiers in Turkey

On March 24, Armenia’s U19 national team begins its campaign in the first round of qualification for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027. Armenia will compete in League B after finishing last in their group in the previous cycle.

Armenia has been drawn into Group B2 alongside Turkey, Kosovo, and Gibraltar. All matches will be played in Antalya, Turkey, from March 24 to March 30.

Only the team that finishes first in the group will earn promotion to League A for the next stage, where they will compete for a place in the final tournament.

It is worth noting that despite being labeled a U19 competition, the current participants are למעשה U18 players — meaning all footballers must be born in 2008 or later. This is because players are expected to turn 19 during the second stage of qualification.

For example, at the same time, another Turkey U19 squad, made up of players born in 2007, will be competing in the elite round of qualification against Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia.

This is part of the new qualification format introduced from the 2026/27 season.

UEFA U19 format from the 2026/27 season

Round 1

Teams are divided into League A (28 nations) and League B (remaining teams). League allocations are determined by results from the second round of the U17 European Championship qualifiers (for 2026/27, based on the 2024/25 U17 cycle).

League A teams are split into seven groups of four. The teams finishing last in each group are relegated to League B for Round 2.

League B teams are divided into seven groups of three or four teams. Group winners are promoted to League A for Round 2.

The draw for Round 1 takes place in December of the previous year (e.g., December 2025 for the 2026/27 season).

Armenia U19 squad analysis

The main expectation from this tournament is simple: to finally secure a long-awaited victory in official matches. Armenia U19’s last competitive wins came in 2021, when they defeated Scotland (3–2) and Gibraltar (1–0) — a team they will face again in this group.

That squad featured current senior internationals Artur Serobyan and Styopa Mkrtchyan, as well as current U21 players Hamlet Sargsyan, Misak Hakobyan, Gor Arakelyan, and Edgar Piloyan.

Since then, Armenia has managed just one draw — against Belarus (1–1) in 2022 — while losing all other matches. In fact, across their last six official games, the team has scored only once and conceded 23 goals.

There have been some wins in friendly matches, but those often included a large number of foreign-based players who were not eligible for official fixtures at the time due to documentation issues, and who have since progressed to the U21 level — such as Finn Geragusyan.

Still, each year brings a new U19 generation, and there is cautious optimism for improvement. The group includes opponents Armenia can realistically compete with: Gibraltar is clearly beatable, Kosovo is a balanced matchup (despite a 0–3 loss last year), and the clash with Turkey will be a high-motivation fixture where the team can showcase its full potential.

Squad overview

The Armenia U19 squad consists of 20 players: 18 developed in Armenian clubs and two representing Russian academies (Rostov and Krasnodar).

There is also one France-based player — Martin Shakhgeldyan (Colmar), who is a product of Pyunik Yerevan and has represented Armenia since U14 level.

Breakdown by development:

• 5 players from Pyunik (including Shakhgeldyan)
• 5 from Noah
• 4 from Ararat-Armenia
• 3 from Urartu
• 1 from Avan Academy
• 2 from Russian clubs

Notably, four Noah academy players previously trained at Pyunik, and one at Shirak.

All Armenia-based players compete in the Armenian First League, meaning they already have senior-level experience. While the league is not among Europe’s strongest, its level and competitiveness have improved in recent years, with more independent teams and increased physical and tactical demands.

Several players have already made appearances in the Armenian Premier League.

Among them:

• Albert Gareginyan (Noah) — played 10 matches for Shirak last season and has already debuted for Noah’s first team this season.
• Artur Movsesyan — featured five times for Noah last season and has already played for BKMA this year.
• David Davtyan — currently on loan at Gandzasar and has made two Premier League appearances.
• Michael Asiryan — recently debuted in the Premier League for Noah and impressed during winter friendlies.
• Zhirayr Ashikyan — made one Premier League appearance for Pyunik last season and is regularly included in matchday squads.

Key players

David Batoyan (winger, Rostov U19)
The team’s standout leader and most influential player. Despite being one of the youngest, he has already participated in two U19 qualification campaigns and even captained the side. He scored Armenia’s only goal in their last six official matches (against Belarus) and also netted in a friendly against Uzbekistan.

In 2025, he had an outstanding U17 season with Rostov: 12 goals and 6 assists in 18 matches. He is a versatile winger capable of playing on both flanks, known for explosive pace, powerful dribbling, and finishing with both feet.

Daniel Hambartsumov (winger, Krasnodar U19)
Another key attacking player. More dynamic and mobile than Batoyan, with excellent speed and strong finishing instincts.

He has started 2026 in excellent form: 3 goals and 4 assists in three matches in the Russian Youth League. Dangerous both from distance and when making runs into the box.

The Batoyan–Hambartsumov partnership on the wings is the team’s main attacking weapon. Maybe — new Shaghoyan - Serobyan duo.

Albert Gareginyan (forward/attacking midfielder, Noah)
One of the most talented and versatile players in the squad. Despite being born in 2008, he already has top-level experience.

He stood out in the 2024/25 First League season, scoring a hat-trick against Lernayin Artsakh and impressing against Ararat-2, earning a call-up to Shirak’s first team.

A technical and intelligent player who can operate both as a striker and a playmaker.

Michael Asiryan (forward, Noah)
A physically strong striker with solid technique. Took part in Noah’s winter training camp and looked confident against more experienced opposition.

He has already scored six goals in the current First League season and is a strong candidate to lead the attack.

Artur Movsesyan (defender, BKMA, on loan from Noah)
A key defensive figure and the team’s main physical presence. Over 190 cm tall, he brings strength and aerial ability — crucial at youth level.

He is versatile, capable of playing centrally, on the flank, or even as a defensive midfielder, though he is expected to feature primarily as a center-back.

Tactical notes

The central midfield — likely featuring Ashot Voskanyan, Martun Hovhannisyan, and Martin Shakhgeldyan — remains one of the most vulnerable yet crucial areas of the team, largely due to limited high-level experience.

Creativity will depend on Kirill Yedigaryan, Zhirayr Ashikyan, and Harutyun Movsisyan.

David Davtyan is expected to be the primary rotation option on the wings, providing cover for Batoyan and Hambartsumov.

Full squad

Goalkeepers
Arthur Petrosyan – Pyunik-2
Nubar Gishyan – Urartu-2
Roman Khachatryan – Noah-2

Defenders
Artur Movsesyan – BKMA
Edmond Hayrapetyan – Pyunik-2
Egar Poghosyan – Ararat-Armenia-2
Armen Sukiasyan – Pyunik-2
Hayk Ghukasyan – Ararat-Armenia-2

Midfielders
Ashot Voskanyan – Urartu-2
Zhirair Ashikyan – Pyunik
Kirill Yedigaryan – BKMA-2
Martin Shahgeldyan – Colmar (France)
David Batoyan – Rostov (Russia)
Davit Davtyan – Noah-2
Martun Hovhannisyan – Ararat-Armenia-2
Daniel Hambartsumov – Krasnodar (Russia)
Harutyun Movsisyan – Ararat-Armenia-2
Albert Gareginyan – Noah-2

Forwards
Maykl Asiryan – Noah-2
Sargis Gasparyan – Urartu-2

Match schedule

• March 24 (14:00 Yerevan time): Armenia U19 vs Kosovo U19
• March 27 (17:00): Turkey U19 vs Armenia U19
• March 30 (16:00): Gibraltar U19 vs Armenia U19

Armenia enters this tournament with modest expectations but realistic hopes of progress. A strong showing — and especially a long-awaited competitive win — would mark an important step forward for this new generation.

Who else could strengthen the squad?

When it comes to players born in 2008 who could theoretically strengthen the Armenian U19 team, Milan Gharibian from the French Premier League U19 team immediately comes to mind. He is a key player for tournament leaders Clermont Foot, with eight goals and one assist already this season.

Also worth mentioning are Loris Ohan from Dutch side FC Twente, who has impressive statistics in the U17 championship, and Albert Tamoyan from Swedish side Helsingborg, who has scored 30 goals in the Swedish U17 championship and has experience playing for the Swedish U16 national team.

It's worth emphasizing that all of these players are wingers or attacking midfielders (more could be added). This means they would primarily replace Batoyan and Ambartsumov in the squad or strengthen the flanks during matches. Their presence would certainly increase the team's overall potential, but it wouldn't have a significant impact on the team's results, as the problematic positions remain in the center of the field and defense.

If, somewhere in the foreign clubs, there was a player of Artur Movsesyan's caliber or a strong defensive midfielder like Milan Gharibyan, then the team would look significantly more confident and balanced.