Four players who can make a debut for Indian football team against Hong Kong

India will play Hong Kong at Kochi on March 31

The India football team are set to make their return to action when they face Hong Kong in their final match of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on 31 March (2026).

The Blue Tigers will take the field at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for their first match of 2026, with a lot of anticipation building on Khalid Jamil elevating the performances of his side after a poor 2025.

Jamil has named a rather interesting squad for this game against Hong Kong, which includes experienced players as well as some notable newcomers.

There are, in fact, multiple players who can make their official debut for India in the game against Hong Kong.

Even though this fixture won’t have much impact on qualification, the Blue Tigers will look to regain momentum, while these players aim to seize their moment and cement their place in Jamil’s plans.

Here are the four players who can make their debut for India against Hong Kong.

4. Bijoy Varghese

Bijoy Varghese has been among the standout defenders in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) so far, as he’s helped Punjab FC keep the joint second-best defensive record in the tournament.

The 26-year-old has proven himself as a reliable centre-back with some commanding performances, frustrating forwards with tight marking and the ability to make crucial challenges to fend away danger.

Varghese has been rewarded for his impressive form in the ISL, with Khalid Jamil looking to test his skills at the international level.

Even though it might be difficult for the Punjab FC man to start the game against Hong Kong, there is a chance that Jamil might give him his official debut and game-time to test how good Varghese can be against challenging international players.

Varghese will need to be particularly sharp and flawless in the training sessions with his sturdy defensive work, and if able to do that, then the 26-year-old is probably in line to get his debut for the Blue Tigers against Hong Kong.

3. Albino Gomes

Albino Gomes has looked really sharp in guarding Jamshedpur FC under Owen Coyle, with the Men of Steel being able to establish themselves as title challengers in the 2025-26 ISL.

Gomes has been quite reliable in between the posts for Jamshedpur FC so far, keeping three clean sheets and only conceding four goals in six appearances. He’s managed an impressive 78.9% save percentage in the league, looking really proactive and confident with his work in between the posts.

Gomes has, therefore, earned his place in the India squad for the upcoming clash against Hong Kong.

There is actually a solid debate to be made that Albino is the most in-form goalkeeper among those picked by Khalid Jamil for the upcoming Hong Kong game.

Considering that India doesn’t have all that much to lose in the game, considering they’re already out of contention for qualifying for the Asian Cup, Jamil might look to test something different in his goalkeeper role with Gomes.

The Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper has to excel in the training camp, and if he’s able to outperform the experienced goalkeepers, he could get his shining moment against Hong Kong.

2. Abneet Bharti

Abneet Bharti was actually not included in the initial list of India players selected for the Hong Kong clash, but a late entry after a conversation with Khalid Jamil convinced him to join the squad.

The 27-year-old centre-back is currently playing for Bolivian top division Club A.B.B. Bharti definitely stands out from the rest of the defensive options for India, mostly because of the unique experience he’s garnered playing outside India.

He has the physical prowess and experience factor to bring something different to the Blue Tigers’ backline and probably add more reliable to it as well.

Now that he’s been called up to the India squad, Bharti also has a strong chance of making his international debut for the Blue Tigers – as he’ll need to be at his proactive best to frustrate the Hong Kong players and stand out in the Indian backline.

1. Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams seems to be in line to make his much-awaited debut for India in their upcoming clash against Hong Kong. Even though he was eligible to do so in the loss to Bangladesh, certain issues stopped him from doing so – but Williams is now ready to spearhead the frontline for India in their final 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier.

The 32-year-old will definitely add a special spark to India’s frontline with his clever work in the final third. He is blessed with impressive pace and ability to dart past defenders at ease, while Williams is also prolific enough in the final third.

The Bengaluru FC man has scored one goal in the 2025-26 ISL so far, and will look to pick up his form for India.

Williams will be charged up to make a positive impression in his India debut, as he looks to create big chances with his clever passes and also enhance the Blue Tigers’ goal threat with his efficient finishing from in and outside the box.

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