Ahmedabad, Nov 21 (NationPress) - The head coach of India U17 men's football team, Bibiano Fernandes, has officially announced a squad of 23 players for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, set to commence this Saturday at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.

India's matches will include encounters against Palestine on November 22, Chinese Taipei on November 26, Lebanon on November 28, and the Islamic Republic of Iran on November 30. The top teams from these groups will earn a spot in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year, which also serves as a qualification route for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

In Group A, the hosts China PR will compete against Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Timor-Leste, and Sri Lanka. Group B features the 2002 runners-up Yemen, along with Laos, the hosts Kyrgyz Republic, Cambodia, Guam, and Pakistan.

Group C will see hosts Vietnam square off against Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Northern Mariana Islands, and Macau.

Meanwhile, Group E is led by Australia, with 2016 champions Iraq, Philippines, and host Jordan along with Bhutan. In Group F, the hosts Thailand will face Kuwait, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Maldives for an automatic qualification spot.

Group G will feature two-time champions Oman, Afghanistan, host Myanmar, Syria, and Nepal. The AFC U17 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from May 7 to 24, 2026.

Here is India's 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Ankur Rajbagh, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.

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

Forwards: Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Jasir Khan, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed.