Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has named India’s 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia, with the Blue Colts heading into the tournament after an extended preparatory camp and exposure matches. The focus is firmly on making a deep run, as a place in the knockout stage will also secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
India arrive with a squad that blends defensive structure with creative midfield options and attacking depth. Fernandes, who has been central to India’s youth development pipeline, will look to maximise this balance in a high-pressure tournament format where consistency across games becomes decisive.
Tough group, little margin for error
India have been drawn in Group D alongside Australia and Uzbekistan, turning the group into a tight three-team contest. With only two matches to play, every moment carries added significance, and there is virtually no room for recovery after a slip-up. India will begin their campaign against Australia on May 6 before facing Uzbekistan on May 10 in what could be a decisive fixture for qualification.
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The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals, which raises the stakes considerably. A strong start could put India in a commanding position, while any early setback would leave little opportunity to recover, given the compressed schedule.
Squad composition and preparation
The squad features a core of players who have come through structured youth development pathways, offering a mix of technical ability and tactical discipline. The goalkeeping unit provides stability at the back, while the defensive line is expected to play a key role in handling physically strong opponents. In midfield, India will rely on ball progression and control, while the forwards are tasked with converting limited chances in what are expected to be tightly contested matches.
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Preparation has included international friendlies, notably against Qatar, where India showed resilience with a draw and a goalless outing. These matches have helped the team adapt to different styles and build cohesion ahead of the continental stage.
With World Cup qualification at stake, this campaign represents a significant opportunity for Indian football’s next generation. The challenge is demanding, but the structure of the group means that a composed and clinical approach could see India emerge as one of the standout sides in the competition.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.
Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.
Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.
Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
SCHEDULE
May 6: India vs Australia - 9:30 p.m. IST
May 10: India vs Uzbekistan - 10:30 p.m. IST
