New Delhi: The India national under-17 football team is gearing up for its final phase of preparation with two international friendlies against Qatar national under-17 football team in Doha on April 25 and 28. The matches, confirmed by the All India Football Federation, will be played behind closed doors.
These fixtures will serve as the team’s last preparatory outings before the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. The Indian squad, popularly known as the Blue Colts, is currently in Thailand, where they are playing a series of warm up games against the United Arab Emirates national under-17 football team. They have already registered a 1-0 win in the first match and are scheduled to play another before departing for Doha on April 22.
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes will travel with the full 24 member squad for the Qatar fixtures. The final 23 member team for the Asian Cup will be finalised closer to the tournament, allowing the coaching staff to assess player form and fitness during these crucial matches.
Following the Doha friendlies, the team will travel to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on April 30 to compete in the continental championship. India has been placed in Group D and will begin its campaign against Australia national under-17 football team on May 6. This will be followed by matches against Uzbekistan national under-17 football team on May 10 and North Korea national under-17 football team on May 13.
The upcoming friendlies are expected to play a key role in fine tuning strategies and combinations as India aims to make a strong impression on the continental stage.
