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India U17 Football Team to Face UAE in Crucial Pre-Asian Cup Friendlies

The Indian U17 men's national team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates in Samut Prakan, Thailand, on April 17 and 21, 2026. These matches are crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The 24-member squad, led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, has already been training in Thailand following a previous camp. In the Asian Cup, India is drawn in Group D alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea.

Key Points: India U17 Team to Play UAE in Thailand Friendlies

  • Two friendlies vs UAE in Thailand
  • 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 UAE in Thailand

The Indian U17 men's football team will play two friendlies against the UAE in Thailand as preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.

"The friendlies, part of India and UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 - AIFF"

New Delhi, April 15

The Indian U17 men's team will play two friendly matches against United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, 2026, in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

The friendlies, part of India and UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts' squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.

Last month, Bibiano Fernandes' side had played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.

In the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, 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 against UAE 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.

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, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

Head coach: Bibiano Fernandes

Assistant coach: Subham Rabha

Goalkeeping coach: Parshuram Salwadi

India U17 men's friendlies schedule:

16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India

16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India

Venue: Windmill Football Club, Samut Prakan, Thailand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Playing behind closed doors is a bit disappointing for the fans, but understandable for preparation. Hope they stream it live on YouTube or something!
A
Aman W
The squad looks promising. Good to see a strong focus on youth development. Our group in the Asian Cup is tough, but these friendlies will build crucial experience. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Interesting schedule. Playing two friendlies against the same team back-to-back allows for tactical adjustments. Coach Bibiano seems to have a plan. Best of luck!
P
Priya S
While I appreciate the effort, I wish there was more transparency. Why Thailand again? Couldn't they arrange matches in India or the Gulf? The travel and costs must be high.
K
Karthik V
Love the diversity in the squad names – from the Northeast to the heartland. This is the real India. Go boys, make us proud! 💙

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