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India U17 Football Team Preps for Asian Cup with Thailand Friendlies

The Indian U17 men's national football team will play a series of closed-door friendly matches in Lopburi, Thailand, against Thailand, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea from March 25-31. These games are crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The team, led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, has already played six friendlies this year against nations like Tajikistan and Turkiye. In the Asian Cup's Group D, India will face Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea in May.

Key Points: India U17 Team to Play Thailand, Indonesia, Korea Friendlies

  • Friendlies vs Thailand, Indonesia, Korea
  • Prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup
  • Matches behind closed doors
  • Squad of 24 players announced
2 min read

India U17 men's team to play friendlies against Thailand, Indonesia and Korea Republic in Lopburi

Indian U17 men's football team to play friendlies vs Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea Republic in Lopburi as prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.

"part of the Blue Colts' preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 - AIFF website"

New Delhi, March 22

The Indian U17 men's team will play friendly games against Thailand, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea between March 25 and 31, 2026, in Lopburi, Thailand, according to the AIFF website.

The friendlies, part of the Blue Colts' preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. India will take on Thailand on March 25 at 17:30 IST, Indonesia on March 28 at 17:30 IST and the Republic of Korea on March 31 at 15:30 IST.

Bibiano Fernandes' side has already played six international friendly games this year -- two each against Tajikistan (in Goa), Turkiye (in Antalya) and Myanmar (in Yangon).

The Blue Colts arrived in Lopburi on Sunday, March 22.

In the AFC U17 Asian Cup, India will take on Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10) and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D.

India U17 men's 24-member squad for friendlies in Thailand:

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia, Zoramdinthara.

Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.

Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

Head coach: Bibiano FernandesAssistant coach: Subham RabhaGoalkeeping coach: Parshuram Salwadi

India U17 men's friendlies in Thailand:

17:30 IST, March 25: India vs Thailand17:30 IST, March 28: India vs Indonesia15:30 IST, March 31: India vs the Republic of Korea.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a bit disappointing that the matches are behind closed doors. Would have been a great experience for the young players to play in front of a crowd, even a small one. Still, hope they learn a lot.
V
Vikram M
The squad looks promising! Good mix of players from different regions. All the best to Coach Bibiano and the team. Let's aim for at least one win in these friendlies. #BlueColts
S
Sarah B
Solid preparation schedule. Playing against Thailand and Indonesia will test our technical ability, while Korea will be a massive physical and tactical challenge. Hope the AIFF streams these matches live for fans back home.
R
Rohit P
The future is bright! These U17 boys are getting the kind of exposure we could only dream of a decade ago. The match against Korea will show us where we really stand. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Good initiative, but I hope the focus is on development and not just results. The real test is the Asian Cup group with Australia and Uzbekistan. Let the boys play without pressure.

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