 "FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Jay Gupta, Imran Khan included as India leave for Saudi Arabia with 25-member squad")
Indian men’s football team left for Saudi Arabia on Friday with a 25-member squad to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Igor Stimac-coached side will be playing against Afghanistan on 21 March at Abha (Saudi Arabia) in the Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification.
Read: Stimac's bold prediction ahead of World Cup qualifiers vs Afghanistan
After the away match, India will once again face Afghanistan in a home game at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on 26 March. Some of the notable inclusions in the squad are Jay Gupta (FC Goa) and Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC) who have received their maiden India call-ups.
Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh also returned to the squad after missing out on AFC Asian Cup due to respective injuries.
World Cup Qualifiers: India’s campaign so far and what they need to do against Afghanistan
India are currently third in the Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with three points. Kuwait, who also have three points are, second on the basis of goal difference. India defeated Kuwait (1-0) away from home in their first match before losing to Qatar (0-3) in Bhubaneswar. Qatar are leading Group A with six points.
India’s 25-member squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Anwar Ali, Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh.
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