India's National Football Team Prepares for Friendlies Against New Zealand
Indian Men's Football Team Announces Squad for New Zealand Matches
On November 6, the head coach of the Indian men's national football team, Khalid Jamil, revealed a 23-player roster for the upcoming friendly matches against New Zealand, scheduled during the FIFA International Match Window.
The Blue Tigers are set to compete against the All Whites on November 12 at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland at 11:30 IST, followed by another match on November 15 at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch at 08:30 IST, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
This squad features three players—Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaco—who were part of Naushad Moosa's SAFF Championship 2026 team. They will not participate in the tournament in Dhaka and will instead join Jamil's squad for the New Zealand tour.
Conversely, Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN, and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship lineup and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC. Additionally, Ronney Kharbudon will miss the trip to Dhaka due to an injury.
The squad heading to New Zealand will gather in Bengaluru on November 7 and will hold a training session the following day before departing for Auckland later that evening.
Coach Khalid Jamil expressed, “New Zealand is a World Cup participant and a formidable opponent. These matches will serve as an excellent test for us away from home. We aim to prepare thoroughly, maintain discipline, and utilize this chance to enhance our team’s performance.”
India's 23-player squad for FIFA men's international friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Jithin MS, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Tomba Singh Haobam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Muhammad Suhail, Ryan Williams.
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
Blue Tigers' schedule in New Zealand:
Thursday, November 12, 11:30 IST: New Zealand vs India (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)
Sunday, November 15, 08:30 IST: New Zealand vs India (One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch).