India Announces 23-Member Squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Head coach Bibiano Fernandes on Friday named a 23-member Indian squad for the 2026 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, set to begin on Saturday at the EKA Arena.

India will face Palestine on November 22, Chinese Taipei on November 26, Lebanon on November 28, and Iran on November 30.

The group winners will secure a spot in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year, which will also serve as the qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

Fernandes expressed confidence in his squad, highlighting a mix of experienced youth players and promising new talents aimed at representing India at the continental and global level.

This qualifier marks a crucial step for India’s U17 team as they aim to build momentum and showcase their potential on the international stage.