New Delhi, November 10: The Indian U17 men’s football team will begin its AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign against Singapore on Wednesday, November 11, as the Blue Colts look to secure qualification for the continental tournament for a second consecutive edition.

India have been placed in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam. Following their opening fixture, the Indian side will face Guam on November 14, Palestine on November 17 and Malaysia on November 20.

All four matches will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The opening encounter against Singapore is scheduled for 9 PM local time (6:30 PM IST). India’s remaining fixtures against Guam and Palestine will begin at 3:30 PM local time (1 PM IST), while the final group match against Malaysia will kick off at 9 PM local time (6:30 PM IST).

India’s AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Schedule (IST)

• November 11: Singapore vs India – 6:30 PM
• November 14: India vs Guam – 1 PM
• November 17: Palestine vs India – 1 PM
• November 20: India vs Malaysia – 6:30 PM

The qualification format leaves little room for mistakes, with only the group winners earning a place in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan from May 12 to 29, 2027.

India enter the qualifying competition with valuable recent experience, having featured in the 2026 edition. They are also the only team among the five Group E participants to have qualified for that tournament. However, their previous campaign ended in the group stage following defeats against Australia and Uzbekistan.

Under newly appointed head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, India have undergone an extensive preparation programme ahead of the crucial qualifiers. The training camp began in Goa in September, with more than 100 players assessed during a month-long selection process before the final 23-member squad was selected.

The Blue Colts subsequently travelled to Myanmar in October, where they played two international friendlies. India drew the opening encounter 1-1 before registering an impressive 4-0 victory in the second match.

Their preparations continued in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, where they faced the hosts in two more friendly fixtures. After playing out a goalless draw in the first game, India secured a convincing 4-1 win in the return match.

Wadoo expressed satisfaction with the team’s development and highlighted the importance of international exposure ahead of the qualifiers. “Playing friendly matches before a tournament is always important, and the experience was valuable for us. The boys have shown good progress, and I am happy with the way the team is developing,” the head coach said.

India’s 23-member Squad For AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

• Goalkeepers: Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi, Newtan Irengbam.
• Defenders: Jinesh Thoudam, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Sailex Oinam, Maldino Singh Ylmnam, 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.
• Head Coach: Mehrajuddin Wadoo

Where To Watch AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers?

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers will be streamed on the AFC’s official YouTube channel in selected regions, while Smashi TV will broadcast select matches across certain parts of Asia.