Blue Tigers arrive in London for Unity Cup 2026
New Delhi, May 25
The Indian senior men's national team, with 17 players, arrived in London on Monday ahead of their participation in the Unity Cup 2026.
The Blue Tigers departed Bengaluru in the wee hours of Sunday morning to travel to the England capital for what would be their first match on British soil since 2002. Khalid Jamil's side had assembled in Bengaluru on May 22, a day after the conclusion of the Indian Super League 2025-26. However, Mohun Bagan Super Giant recalled their players from the national camp on May 23.
Following their last-minute withdrawal, India travelled with the remaining 17 players to London. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari is travelling separately and will arrive on Monday.
India (136th in FIFA rankings) will play Jamaica (ranked 71st) in the second semi-final on May 27 midnight (May 28 in IST), while Nigeria (ranked 26th) take on Zimbabwe (ranked 130th) in the first semi-final at the same time a day earlier. The two losing teams will play the third-place play-off on June 30. All matches will take place at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic FC. The matches will be streamed live on FanCode.
India's 18-member squad for Unity Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari (to arrive on Monday), Albino Gomes.
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong.
Forwards: Ryan Williams, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary.
Unity Cup 2026 Schedule:
Semi-final One
Tuesday, May 26, 19:30 BST (00:00 IST, May 27): Nigeria v Zimbabwe
Semi-Final Two
Wednesday, May 27, 19:30 BST (00:00 IST, May 28): Jamaica v India
Final and Third-place Play-off
Saturday, May 30
Venue: The Valley, London
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a cricket fan living in the UK, it's great to see Indian football getting international exposure. Jamaica will be tough – they're athletic and ranked 71st. But our boys have nothing to lose. Let's show some grit like the U-17 team did a few years ago. Win or lose, this builds experience.
Just heard about this – so proud of the team! But seriously, how is it that we have only 17 players because of club commitments? The AIFF needs to sort out ISL and national team coordination. Chhangte and Jeakson are our best bets against Jamaica. Can't wait to stay up till midnight to watch! 🕛💙
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. We're playing a tournament where Nigeria is ranked 26th and we're 136th? That's a massive gap. The third-place playoff against Zimbabwe might be our only realistic win. But credit to the team for going – every match against top African teams is a learning curve. Jaikara ho Indian football! 🙌
Very excited to see Ryan Williams and Edmund Lalrindika get a chance on the big stage. Our defence is solid with Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke. Chhangte's pace could trouble Jamaica. But I worry about the lack of depth – if anyone gets injured, we're in trouble. Also, why is FanCode streaming? Make it free for all! 📱⚡
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