2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: India squad announced for Kuwait, Qatar games

Glan Martins, Nandhakumar Sekar, Vikram Pratap Singh not included

The Indian national men’s football team will begin their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with an away clash against Kuwait. They will begin their journey in the Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification.

India are clubbed alongside defending Asian Champions Qatar, Afghanistan and Kuwait in Group A. The Blue Tigers’ first task will come in the form of Kuwait on November 16  at the Jaber al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City before hosting Qatar at home.

Indian Football Team FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Full Squad for Kuwait, Qatar Games

India’s head coach Igor Stimac announced a list of 28 probables for their opening two games of the qualifiers. And now just a few hours ahead of their game against Kuwait, India have put together their final squad consisting of 25 players.

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Naorem Singh, Rohit Kumar, Udanta Singh

Forwards: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Ishan Pandita

India’s clash against Kuwait

It will be India’s third clash against Kuwait in 2023 and the sixth overall. The Blue Tigers are currently undefeated against Kuwait in 2023. They drew the first game and won the second to clinch their record ninth SAFF Championship title.

They’re currently on level terms with Kuwait on the head-to-head records as both sides have won two games each while one game ended in a draw in their previous meetings. The game on Thursday will be the sixth meeting between the two sides.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.