Who Will India Face in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
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Synopsis
Excitement builds as India gears up for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers! Discover the teams they will face and the preparations underway for this crucial tournament. Will the Blue Colts rise to the challenge?
Key Takeaways
- India is in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
- Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam are the other teams in the group.
- Matches are scheduled from September 1 to 9, 2023.
- Naushad Moosa is the new head coach for the U23 team.
- The tournament will take place in January 2026.
New Delhi, May 29 (NationPress) India has been placed in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers following the draw ceremony held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Joining India in Group H are Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam. Notably, Qatar is the highest-seeded team in this group and will serve as the host, with matches scheduled from September 1 to 9.
A total of 44 teams have been distributed into 11 groups of four each. The group winners along with the four best runners-up, plus the host nation Saudi Arabia, will finalize the roster of 16 teams for the seventh iteration of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, set to occur in January 2026.
The seeding for this draw was determined using a points system based on each team's final rankings from the last three editions of the tournament. India was positioned in Pot 3.
Previously, India appointed Naushad Moosa as the head coach for the U23 national team. Moosa will assume his responsibilities on June 1, when the Blue Colts gather in Kolkata for a training camp prior to traveling to Tajikistan for two friendly matches against Tajikistan on June 18 and Kyrgyz Republic on June 21.
The India U23 team will utilize all available FIFA International windows to conduct training camps and play friendly matches in preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Draw Results:
Group A: Jordan (H), Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Bhutan
Group B: Japan, Kuwait, Myanmar (H), Afghanistan
Group C: Vietnam (H), Yemen, Singapore, Bangladesh
Group D: Australia, China (H), Timor-Leste, Northern Mariana Islands
Group E: Uzbekistan, Palestine, Kyrgyz Republic (H), Sri Lanka
Group F: Thailand (H), Malaysia, Lebanon, Mongolia
Group G: Iraq, Cambodia (H), Oman, Pakistan
Group H: Qatar (H), Bahrain, India, Brunei Darussalam
Group I: United Arab Emirates (H), IR Iran, Hong Kong China, Guam
Group J: Korea Republic, Indonesia (H), Laos, Macau
Group K: Tajikistan, Syria, Philippines, Nepal
Point of View
The inclusion of India in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With dedicated preparations and strategic coaching, the team aims to showcase their talent and strive for success on the continental stage.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFC U23 Asian Cup?
The AFC U23 Asian Cup is a prestigious tournament for under-23 national teams in Asia, held every two years.
When will the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers take place?
The qualifiers for the AFC U23 Asian Cup will be held from September 1 to 9, 2023.
Who are the teams in India's group?
India is in Group H along with Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam.
Who is the head coach of the Indian U23 team?
Naushad Moosa has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian U23 national team.
What is the importance of this tournament for India?
This tournament is a crucial opportunity for India to showcase its young talent and gain international experience.
