India's Young Footballers Gear Up for AFC U-17 Asian Cup Challenge

Coach Bibiano Fernandes announced a 23-player Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Jeddah. India, in Group D, will face Australia and Uzbekistan, with North Korea withdrawn. Top two teams progress to the quarter-finals and qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

In a significant step for the future of Indian football, head coach Bibiano Fernandes unveiled a 23-member squad for the men's AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The tournament is set to commence in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5, as India gears up to demonstrate their prowess on an international platform.

The Blue Colts have already been preparing intensely, having played two closed-door matches against Qatar in Doha. Now set to travel to Jeddah on May 3, the Indian team is positioned in a revised Group D, after North Korea's withdrawal left them to face only Australia and Uzbekistan.

India's opening match is lined up against Australia on May 6, followed by a crucial encounter with Uzbekistan on May 10. Success in these matches is pivotal, as the top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals and secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.