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Bibiano Fernandes Names India U17 Squad for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026

India U17 head coach Bibiano Fernandes announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The team is currently in Doha, Qatar, playing friendly matches against Qatar. India has been placed in Group D with Australia and Uzbekistan after DPR Korea withdrew. The Blue Colts will play their opening match against Australia on May 6, followed by Uzbekistan on May 10.

Key Points: India U17 Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2026 Announced

  • 23-member squad announced for AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026
  • India placed in Group D with Australia and Uzbekistan
  • DPR Korea withdraws, making it a three-team group
  • Team to travel to Jeddah on May 3 after friendlies in Qatar
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Head coach Bibiano Fernandes announces India's squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026

India U17 head coach Bibiano Fernandes announces 23-member squad for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. India faces Australia and Uzbekistan in Group D.

"The Blue Colts are currently in Doha, Qatar, where they have played Qatar in two friendly matches (1-1 and 0-0) behind closed doors - Press Release"

New Delhi, May 1

India U17 men's national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Friday, named the 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

The Blue Colts are currently in Doha, Qatar, where they have played Qatar in two friendly matches (1-1 and 0-0) behind closed doors, and will travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 3, as per a press release.

India have been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia and Uzbekistan. The fourth team in the group, DPR Korea, have withdrawn from the tournament, making it a three-team group. Bibiano's boys play Australia on May 6 and Uzbekistan on May 10.

India's squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026:

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.

Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Great squad selection but I wish we had more exposure tours before this. The boys played only two friendlies in Qatar - both behind closed doors! For the U17 Asian Cup, they need competitive match practice in front of crowds to handle pressure. Still, hope the best for our young colts 🏆
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Vikram M
As an Indian football fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. Bibiano's track record with the U17 team is decent. Key players to watch: Washington Singh Ngangom and Yuvraj Kadam up front. But our defence needs to be rock solid against Australia's physical game. Let's hope we don't get thrashed and can compete. Come on Blue Colts! 💙⚽
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Sarah B
It's nice to see Indian football developing at the youth level. The squad has an interesting mix of names from across the country - Manipur, Assam, Kerala, Punjab - that's the beauty of Indian football. Hope the boys learn a lot from this experience. Australia will be very tough but Uzbekistan is beatable.
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Rohit P
Bibiano needs to be more pragmatic this time. In the previous U17 World Cup (2017) we bunkered and lost badly. At least play attacking football and give these boys confidence. Also, why are these matches behind closed doors? The federation should arrange friendly matches with more spectators to prepare them better. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳⚽
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Michael C
As someone who follows Indian football from abroad, this is a good step towards building for the future. Bibiano Fernandes

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