Bibiano Fernandes names India squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 as Blue Colts target World Cup qualification

India U17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes on Friday announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, with the Blue Colts now entering the final phase of preparations ahead of a crucial continental campaign.

India are currently training in Doha after completing two closed-door friendly matches against Qatar, drawing 1-1 and 0-0. The team will travel to Jeddah on May 3, where they will begin their tournament journey in Group D. The Asian Cup represents a massive opportunity for this young Indian side, with qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026 at stake. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals and automatically secure a berth at the World Cup.

India have been drawn alongside Australia and defending champions Uzbekistan in Group D after the withdrawal of the Republic of Korea from the competition. The reduced three-team group format means every match becomes even more decisive. The Blue Colts will open their campaign against Australia on May 6 before facing Uzbekistan on May 10.

The squad selection once again reflects Bibiano Fernandes’ emphasis on continuity and long-term development. Several players named in the final 23 have been part of the setup throughout the qualification cycle and recent exposure tours. Bibiano, who has built a strong reputation in Indian youth football after guiding India to the AFC U16 Championship quarterfinals in 2018, will once again hope to maximise the potential of a technically promising group.

India’s recent preparations have included extensive camps and international friendlies aimed at exposing the players to different styles and physical demands. The two matches against Qatar in Doha offered the coaching staff an important final assessment ahead of the tournament. The Blue Colts showed defensive discipline in both games, particularly in the second match which ended in a goalless draw. Earlier, Denny Singh Wangkhem had scored in the 1-1 draw during the first friendly.

The 23-member squad features a balanced mix across all departments, with three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards included for the tournament. In goal, Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah and Rajrup Sarkar will compete for the starting role. The trio has rotated during preparatory matches, giving Bibiano multiple options depending on the tactical requirement.

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Defensively, the squad includes Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin and Shubham Poonia. The backline will be crucial against physically strong opponents like Australia and technically organised teams such as Uzbekistan. Midfield responsibilities will largely revolve around players like Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi and Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. The midfield unit is expected to provide both defensive balance and attacking transitions, areas India will need to execute well against stronger opposition.

The attacking department includes Adil Aman, Azlaan Shah, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom and Yuvraj Kadam. India’s forward line has shown flashes of quality during the qualification cycle, particularly in transition attacks and wide combinations. However, finishing consistently against top Asian opposition will remain one of the biggest challenges for the young side.

Tough challenge awaits in Group D

India’s route to the knockout stage will not be easy. Australia arrive with a strong footballing structure and physical intensity, while Uzbekistan enter the tournament as defending champions and one of Asia’s most consistent youth teams in recent years. At the same time, the withdrawal of Korea Republic has changed the dynamics of the group significantly. With only three teams remaining, there is very little room for error. A single defeat could leave qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while a positive result in the opening match against Australia could dramatically improve India’s chances of progressing.

The Blue Colts earned qualification for the Asian Cup after an impressive campaign in the qualifiers, where they finished ahead of teams like Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei. That run showcased the squad’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Now, the focus shifts towards converting that promise into results on the continental stage.

For Indian football, the tournament also represents an opportunity to return to the FIFA U17 World Cup on merit. India previously appeared at the 2017 edition as hosts, but qualification through the Asian Cup would mark a major achievement for the current generation. Bibiano Fernandes has consistently stressed the importance of building fearless players capable of competing against Asia’s best. Over the past few years, the federation has invested heavily in youth development, exposure tours and structured preparation for age-group teams.

The upcoming tournament will provide an important indicator of how far those efforts have progressed.

With the squad now finalised and preparations entering their final stretch, the Blue Colts will head to Saudi Arabia carrying both expectation and belief. Against Australia and Uzbekistan, India’s young footballers will have the chance to test themselves on one of Asia’s biggest youth stages with a place at the U17 World Cup waiting at the end of the road.