Mehrajuddin Wadoo named India U17 football head coach for AFC 2027 Qualifiers
Synopsis
Mehrajuddin Wadoo — a decorated former India defender with AFC Challenge Cup and SAFF Championship medals — has been handed the India U17 men's coaching role. With trials already underway in Goa and a November qualifier window in Kuala Lumpur fast approaching, this appointment marks a deliberate AIFF bet on domestic coaching experience at a critical youth development age group.
Key Takeaways
Mehrajuddin Wadoo , 42, has been appointed head coach of the India U17 men's national football team by the AIFF .
The preparatory camp began on 2 September in Margao, Goa , starting with player trials.
India are placed in Group E and will face Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam at the qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur from 11–20 November .
Wadoo holds an AFC Pro Licence and previously coached Mohammedan Sporting Club , Real Kashmir FC , and Sudeva Delhi FC .
As a player, he won the AFC Challenge Cup (2008) , SAFF Championship (2005) , Nehru Cup (2007, 2009) , and the ISL title with Chennaiyin FC (2015) .
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo as head coach of the India U17 men's national football team, as the side begins its preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers. The 42-year-old took charge on Wednesday, 2 September, as the team's preparatory camp commenced in Margao, Goa.
Camp Begins With Trials in Goa
The initial phase of the camp in Margao is centred on trials, with the coaching staff working to identify and shortlist a competitive squad ahead of the continental qualifiers. The structured selection process reflects the AIFF's intent to build a cohesive unit rather than fast-track a pre-decided roster.
India's Group Stage Draw
India have been placed in Group E of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 to 20 November. The young Blue Tigers will face hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam in the group stage — a demanding set of opponents that will test the squad's readiness early.
Wadoo's Playing and Coaching Credentials
An AFC Pro Licence holder, Wadoo brings a layered background to the role. As a player, he was part of the Indian squad that won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and represented the country at the AFC Asian Cup in 2011. He also featured in India's SAFF Championship-winning side in 2005 and was part of the squads that lifted the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009. At club level, he was a member of Chennaiyin FC's Indian Super League (ISL) title-winning team in 2015.
On the coaching front, Wadoo most recently served as head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club and has previously been in charge of Real Kashmir FC and Sudeva Delhi FC, accumulating experience across different competitive environments in Indian club football.
What Wadoo Said
Speaking after taking charge, Wadoo emphasised development alongside competition readiness. 'It is a great honour to take charge of the India U17 men's national team. This is an important age group, and our immediate focus is to create an environment where they can develop and compete at the highest level,' he said.
'We have started the camp with trials and will prepare for qualifiers in the best possible manner. I am looking forward to working with the players and having a fruitful camp,' he added.
What Comes Next
With the qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur set for November 2025, the coaching staff has a narrow window to finalise the squad and build tactical cohesion. The AIFF's decision to appoint an experienced domestic hand with both playing pedigree and club coaching exposure signals a focus on stability as Indian youth football continues its push for continental relevance.
Point of View
Not just qualifier preparation. India's record in AFC U17 qualifiers has been inconsistent, and a November window leaves little room for squad-building. The real measure of this appointment will be whether the AIFF backs Wadoo with continuity beyond the qualifiers, or whether this becomes another short-cycle coaching tenure that disrupts more than it builds.
NationPress
2 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mehrajuddin Wadoo?
Mehrajuddin Wadoo is a 42-year-old former India international defender and AFC Pro Licence holder. He represented India at the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 and the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, and has since coached Mohammedan Sporting Club, Real Kashmir FC, and Sudeva Delhi FC.
Why has Wadoo been appointed India U17 head coach?
The AIFF appointed Wadoo to lead the India U17 men's team as they prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers. His combination of international playing experience and domestic club coaching credentials made him the federation's choice for this role.
When and where are the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
The qualifiers are scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 to 20 November. India have been drawn in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam.
Where is India's U17 preparatory camp being held?
The preparatory camp is underway in Margao, Goa, and began on 2 September. The initial phase includes trials to identify and shortlist players for the qualifier squad.
What trophies did Mehrajuddin Wadoo win as a player?
Wadoo won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, the SAFF Championship in 2005, and the Nehru Cup in 2007 and 2009 with the Indian national team. At club level, he was part of the Chennaiyin FC squad that won the ISL title in 2015.
