India Reveals Squad for AFC U-17 Men's Asian Cup 2026

Post by : Shweta

The head coach of India's U-17 men's football team, Bibiano Fernandes, has unveiled the 23-member roster for the forthcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia slated to kick off on May 5. The Blue Colts are gearing up to secure a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

To prepare for the prestigious tournament, the Indian squad partook in several training camps and friendly matches internationally. They solidified their readiness with two closed-door friendlies in Doha, Qatar, against the local team, achieving a 1-1 draw in the first match and a goalless outcome in the second. The coaching team is optimistic that these encounters have sharpened the players’ match-fitness and tactical knowledge.

India finds itself in Group D with formidable competitors, including the national under-17 teams of Australia and Uzbekistan. Notably, North Korea was initially in the group but has since withdrawn, resulting in a three-team arrangement. India will initiate its campaign against Australia on May 6, followed by a clash with Uzbekistan on May 10.

The stakes are high, as the top two teams from the group will progress directly to the quarter-finals, which will also secure a slot for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. This pivotal tournament heightens hopes within the Indian team to qualify based purely on merit for the first time.

Bibiano Fernandes is recognized as one of India's esteemed youth coaches, having nurtured numerous players who have advanced to higher levels of the sport. His expertise and emphasis on discipline are seen as crucial for India’s prospects in this tournament.

The squad features talents from across the nation, underlining the expanding landscape of youth football in India. Goalkeepers Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, and Rajrup Sarkar are selected, alongside defenders Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, and Shubham Poonia.

In midfield, the squad comprises Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, and Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom, while the attacking front includes Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, and Yuvraj Kadam.

The recent upward trend in India's youth football results has raised expectations, and supporters are hopeful the U-17 team can replicate this success on a broader stage. Despite facing tough opponents like Australia and Uzbekistan, the Indian team remains optimistic about making an impressive mark in this tournament.

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