Head coach Bibiano Fernandes announced a 23-member India squad for the 2026 AFC Under-17 Men’s Asian Cup Qualifiers on Friday, which gets underway on Saturday at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.
India have been placed alongside Palestine, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, and Iran in a competitive Group G, with only the group winners assured of a direct berth in next year’s final tournament in Saudi Arabia. The continental event will double as the qualification pathway for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar.
India All Set For Crucial Start Against Palestine
India will start their campaign against Palestine on November 22, beginning an arduous eight-day run featuring four matches in all.
The team has been in preparatory camps over the past weeks – working on cohesive tactics and individual conditioning under Fernandes. Palestine are expected to be physically strong but the Indians will look to dominate with pace and structured pressing – hallmarks of this age-group set up in recent years.
What Awaits India In The Group Stage?
After the opener, India will face Chinese Taipei on November 26 and Lebanon on November 28. The toughest test comes on November 30, though, in the shape of Iran-a nation with a traditionally strong youth development system and a history of producing resilient, technically sound U17 teams.
With only the group winners securing automatic qualification, goal difference and match management could prove vital.
Coach Bibiano Fernandes Backs His Young Core
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes, who has led India’s junior football projects for several years, sounded confident about the group. Known to stress on tactical discipline and transitions at rapid pace, Fernandes highlighted the need for composure in high-pressure situations.
The squad is completed with players who came through the national scouting programs in order to balance technical skill with athletic profiles.
Goalkeepers and Defensive Setup
India have included three goalkeepers in their squad: Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar, all of whom impressed during training camps. The defensive unit is made up of Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Ankur Rajbagh, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, and Shubham Poonia.
This mix of ball-playing full-backs and physically strong central defenders will be vital to India in maintaining shape when confronted with physically dominant opponents.
The Midfield Engine India Will Rely On
Fernandes has assembled a technically dynamic midfield featuring Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom, and Thonggoumong Touthang. Their ability to recycle possession, break lines, and dictate tempo will be key across the four matches.
Attack Led by Pace and Finishing Ability
India’s forward line comprises Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Jasir Khan, Lesvin Rebelo, and Rahan Ahmed. This attacking lineup comes in diverse categories, from wide forwards with dribbling flair to those able to play as central strikers capable of holding play and finishing under pressure.
India Eye Return To Continental Stage
The AFC U17 Asian Cup is a gateway to the FIFA U17 World Cup, so this campaign is important in shaping the future of India’s youth football. With the qualifiers starting off in Ahmedabad, the attention will fall upon Fernandes’ young brigade and their attempt to secure a spot on the continental stage.
