India U17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member squad for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The team, known as the Blue Colts, is currently in Doha, Qatar, where they have played two friendly matches against Qatar (1-1 and 0-0) behind closed doors. They are set to travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 3.
In Group D of the tournament, India will face Australia and Uzbekistan after the Republic of Korea withdrew, resulting in a three-team group. The matches against Australia and Uzbekistan are scheduled for May 6 and May 10, respectively. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals, securing a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
During the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will compete against Australia on May 6, Uzbekistan on May 10, and DPR Korea on May 13 in Group D. The Indian U17 men’s team has engaged in several friendly matches as part of their preparation for the tournament, including games against the United Arab Emirates and other nations.
The squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 includes goalkeepers Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, and Rajrup Sarkar, along with defenders and midfielders such as Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Dallalmuon Gangte, and Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. The team’s forwards include Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, and Yuvraj Kadam, among others, under the guidance of head coach Bibiano Fernandes.
