India's National Football Team Prepares for International Friendlies Against Top Teams

The Indian men's national football team is gearing up for a series of international friendlies against top-ranked teams, including Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. Head coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 26-player squad that will begin preparations in Bengaluru. These matches, set to take place in September and October, will provide the Blue Tigers with a valuable opportunity to test their skills against World Cup contenders. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the team aims to make a strong impression on the international stage. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 00:15 IST

Khalid Jamil Announces Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

The head coach of the Indian men's national football team, Khalid Jamil, has revealed a 26-member squad for the FIFA International Match Window scheduled for September and October.

The Blue Tigers are set to compete in three international friendlies against formidable opponents. They will first face Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, followed by matches against Brazil, the five-time world champions, on October 3, and Uruguay, the two-time champions, on October 6, both taking place in Kolkata. These encounters will serve as crucial tests for India against teams that participated in the recent FIFA World Cup, according to a statement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The preparatory camp for Jamil's squad will commence on September 14 in Bengaluru. After their match against Panama, the team will head to Kolkata on September 28 for the subsequent fixtures.

Here is the 26-player roster for the upcoming FIFA men's international friendlies:

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Som Kumar.

Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Lalengmawia Ralte, Macarton Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong, Sahal Abdul Samad.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.

Head Coach: Khalid Jamil

Additionally, four players have been designated as reserves: goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, defenders Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam, who may be called up if necessary.

Upcoming Matches for the Indian Men's National Team:

September 26: India vs Panama (Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru)

October 3: India vs Brazil (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata)

October 6: India vs Uruguay (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata).