The Indian U23 men’s football team has been placed in Group H for the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, following the official draw held on May 29, 2025, at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Blue Colts will face strong opposition in the form of hosts Qatar, regional rivals Bahrain, and emerging footballing nation Brunei Darussalam. The matches are scheduled to be played between September 1 and 9 in Qatar.
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A Challenging Road Ahead for the Young Blue Colts
Group H presents a diverse mix of footballing cultures. Qatar, the top-seeded team in the group and hosts for this round, bring a significant advantage in terms of infrastructure, preparation, and pedigree. Bahrain, with a history of producing competitive youth sides, and Brunei Darussalam, seeking to establish their presence on the continental stage, round out the group.
India’s placement in Pot 3 during the draw, based on the cumulative performance across the previous three editions of the tournament, reflects the current status of the nation’s U23 setup. The rankings-based seeding system ensured a balanced distribution, but the inclusion of Qatar adds weight to the group, making qualification a difficult yet exciting challenge for India.
Format and Path to Qualification
The AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers involve 44 teams divided into 11 groups of four. Group winners, alongside the four best second-placed teams across all groups, will qualify for the final tournament in Saudi Arabia, who qualify automatically as hosts. This means that each group match carries immense importance — every point and goal could make the difference in securing a berth in the final 16.
The final tournament, which will be the seventh edition of the prestigious competition, is slated for January 2026. For India, making it to the final tournament would not only signify progress in youth development but also contribute to the broader goal of nurturing talent for the senior national team.
New Leadership: Naushad Moosa Takes Charge
In a significant development, India have appointed Naushad Moosa as the head coach of the U23 team. Moosa, known for his experience in youth development, officially assumes charge on June 1, 2025, when the squad assembles in Kolkata for a preparatory camp.
This appointment marks a fresh chapter for the Blue Colts. Moosa’s coaching credentials and experience with young players make him a fitting choice to lead India’s qualification campaign. With the support of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), he is expected to instill a tactical and disciplined approach.
Preparatory Friendlies and Strategic Build-Up
In preparation for the crucial qualifiers, India will embark on a short overseas tour to Tajikistan. The team will play two friendly encounters — against Tajikistan on June 18 and Kyrgyz Republic on June 21. These fixtures are designed to expose the players to high-tempo, physical football and help the coaching staff evaluate combinations.
Furthermore, the Indian U23s will utilize all available FIFA international windows to conduct training camps and arrange competitive matches. This approach reflects a strategic focus on creating cohesion, sharpening tactics, and simulating match-day intensity well ahead of the qualifiers.
Full Qualifier Draw: India’s Competition at a Glance
India’s Group H fixtures may well be among the most fiercely contested in the qualifying round.
Here’s a quick look at the draw in full:
- 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: UAE (H), Iran, Hong Kong China, Guam
- Group J: Korea Republic, Indonesia (H), Laos, Macau
- Group K: Tajikistan, Syria, Philippines, Nepal
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FAQs
Who will India face in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers?
India will face Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam in Group H of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
When will India play the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifier matches?
India will play their Group H matches between September 1 and 9, 2025, in Qatar.
Who is the new head coach of the India U23 football team?
Naushad Moosa will take charge as the head coach of the India U23 team starting June 1, 2025.
How can India qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026?
India must top Group H or finish among the four best second-placed teams to qualify for the final tournament.
What are India’s preparations ahead of the AFC U23 qualifiers?
India will hold training camps and play friendlies against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic in June 2025.
