India name 23-member squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Malaysia
Synopsis
India's U17 football side is chasing back-to-back AFC continental tournament appearances. Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has finalised a 23-man squad — featuring heavy northeastern India representation — that will sharpen up against UAE before heading to Kuala Lumpur, where only a Group E win guarantees a place at Uzbekistan 2027.
Key Takeaways
Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo named a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers on 30 October 2026 .
India are placed in Group E alongside Malaysia , Palestine , Singapore , and Guam ; qualifiers run from 11–20 November in Kuala Lumpur .
Only group winners qualify for the final tournament in Uzbekistan from 12–29 May 2027 .
India will play two warm-up friendlies against the UAE in Ras Al Khaimah on 1 and 4 November before flying to Malaysia on 5 November .
Recent form includes a 1-1 draw and a 4-0 win over Myanmar in preparatory friendlies this month.
All group-stage matches will be held at MP Selayang Stadium , Selayang .
India's U17 men's national team head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, set to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 to 20 November. The Blue Colts will aim to secure qualification for back-to-back editions of the continental tournament, having been placed in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam.
India's Qualifying Schedule
India will open their campaign against Singapore on 11 November at 6:30 PM IST, followed by a clash with Guam on 14 November at 1 PM IST. They then face Palestine on 17 November at 1 PM IST, before concluding their group-stage run against hosts Malaysia on 20 November at 6:30 PM IST. All four matches will be played at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang. Only the group winners will advance to the final tournament, scheduled in Uzbekistan from 12 to 29 May 2027.
UAE Friendly Matches Ahead of Qualifiers
As part of their final preparations, the Blue Colts will play two international friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Ras Al Khaimah on 1 and 4 November, both kicking off at 8:30 PM IST. The same 23-member squad will feature in both friendlies before travelling directly to Kuala Lumpur on 5 November ahead of the qualifiers.
Recent Form and Preparation
The team has been building steadily in the lead-up to the qualifiers. The Blue Colts recently played two friendly matches against Myanmar in Thanlyin, drawing the first encounter 1-1 before a convincing 4-0 victory in the second. Following the Myanmar tour, the squad continued a preparatory camp in Goa before departing for the UAE on 30 October. This is a notably intense build-up, reflecting the importance India's football federation places on consecutive AFC qualification.
Full Squad Breakdown
The 23-member squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards.
Goalkeepers: Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi, Newtan Irengbam.
Defenders: Jinesh Thoudam, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Sailex Oinam, Maldino Singh Yumnam, Zoramdinthara.
Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Henthoiba Keisam, David Mangang Irom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, R Lawmsangzuala, Thiyam Sambay.
Forwards: Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Md Sahir Ali, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Ristik Maity, Felix Meitei Saikhom.
With the qualifiers beginning in less than two weeks, India's preparatory arc — Myanmar, Goa camp, UAE friendlies, Kuala Lumpur — reflects a structured approach to reclaiming the AFC U17 stage.
Point of View
But the Group E draw is deceptively competitive — Malaysia at home on the final matchday is the kind of fixture that can flip an otherwise solid campaign. The squad's heavy northeastern representation also reflects a broader, welcome geographic shift in Indian football's talent pipeline. The real measure here is not just qualification but whether these players form the core of a more competitive senior setup five years from now.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in India's squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
India's 23-member squad named by coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo includes goalkeepers Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi and Newtan Irengbam; defenders including Jinesh Thoudam, Leo Thongbam and Zoramdinthara; midfielders such as David Mangang Irom and Thiyam Sambay; and forwards including Kamgouhao Doungel, Ristik Maity and Felix Meitei Saikhom.
Where and when are the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers being held?
The qualifiers take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 to 20 November 2026, with all of India's matches scheduled at MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang.
Which teams are in India's group for the AFC U17 Qualifiers?
India have been drawn in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam. India open against Singapore on 11 November and close the group stage against Malaysia on 20 November.
How does a team qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027?
Only the group winners from the qualifying round advance to the final tournament in Uzbekistan, scheduled from 12 to 29 May 2027. India must finish top of Group E to secure their place.
What warm-up matches will India play before the AFC U17 Qualifiers?
India will face the UAE in two international friendly matches in Ras Al Khaimah on 1 and 4 November, both starting at 8:30 PM IST. The squad departs for Kuala Lumpur on 5 November ahead of the qualifiers.
