In a pivotal move for Indian football, head coach Bibiano Fernandes has named the 23-player roster for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, slated for Saudi Arabia. Fresh from friendlies against Qatar in Doha, the Blue Colts gear up for their May 3 flight to Jeddah, ready to tackle Group D.
Australia and Uzbekistan stand as formidable foes in the group, with matches lined up on May 6 and May 10 respectively. South Korea’s pullout means a streamlined three-team affair, where the top two advance to quarterfinals—and secure berths in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
Preparatory friendlies have tested the team’s mettle. Against UAE in Thailand on April 17 and 21, they notched a 1-0 victory before succumbing 1-5. March’s Thailand camp saw a 2-2 stalemate with the hosts, a dominant 3-0 over Indonesia, and a narrow 1-2 defeat to Korea Republic. Kolkata’s training camp followed, fine-tuning strategies.
The lineup boasts: Goalkeepers – Alok Nishad, Manasjyoti Barua, Rajroop Sarkar; Defenders – Abhishek Kumar Mandal, Indra Rana Magar, Koru Meitei Konthoujam, Lomsangzuala, Leswin Rebelo, MD Aiman Bin, Shubham Poonia; Midfielders – Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Musa Ashik Sofi, Nitishkumar Maitei Yengkhom; Forwards – Adil Aman A, Ajlan Shah, Gunleiba Wangkhirakpam, Heirangnaba Seram, Rihan Ahmad, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
This announcement marks a new chapter, with the young brigade poised to make waves on Asia’s biggest youth stage and chase global dreams.
