India to play Myanmar in twin friendlies ahead of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026

Blue Colts travel on 28 February as preparations intensify before big challenge in Saudi Arabia

The India national under-17 football team have less than three months before they walk into what many are already calling a brutal group at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The tournament begins on 5 May in Saudi Arabia. India are drawn in Group D alongside Uzbekistan, Australia and DPR Korea. No easy games. Not one.

With that in mind, the Blue Colts are adding more international minutes to their calendar. After a recent exposure tour in Turkey, Bibiano Fernandes’ side will now travel to Myanmar for two friendlies.

Khel Now can reveal that India will leave for Myanmar on 28 February and play matches on 3 March and 5 March 2026 against the Myanmar U-17 Football Team.

Another exposure tour, more answers needed

Earlier this month, India played two friendlies against Türkiye U-17 and one against FC Spartak Moscow at the Emirhan Sports Centre in Antalya.

Results were mixed. Lessons were clear.

India lost 0-1 in the first game against Türkiye. The only goal came from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Lawmsangzuala brought down Eymen Erdoğan. India did create chances. Denny Singh Wangkhem’s header in the 26th minute went inches wide, and Dallalmuon Gangte came close from a free-kick but couldn’t convert.

The second game was tougher. A 1-6 defeat. Türkiye were sharper, more physical, and more decisive in both boxes. By half-time, the contest was almost over. Denny Singh pulled one back with a well-taken effort early in the second half, but the gap in intensity was evident.

From the matches available for viewing, Fernandes has clearly tried tweaking the build-up structure, especially from the back. There were phases where India attempted to play through pressure rather than go direct. But against physically stronger opposition, the Blue Colts struggled to cope.

That’s the level waiting in Saudi Arabia.

The third friendly in Turkey offered some relief. India defeated FC Spartak Moscow U-17 side 4-2. Mukundo Singh opened the scoring, followed by quick second-half goals from Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam and Washington Singh. Md Aimaan Bin added the fourth. It wasn’t flawless, but it showed attacking promise.

Myanmar challenge

Myanmar are not just a friendly opponent filling dates.

They qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup by topping their group ahead of Syria, Oman, Afghanistan and Nepal, a result that surprised Asian football experts. This is their first qualification for the tournament since 2006.

They have been placed in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Thailand.

For India, these two matches will serve two purposes: fine-tune tactical adjustments and help Fernandes narrow down his final squad. He is yet to finalise the tournament list.

More importantly, the games will test whether the lessons from Turkey have been absorbed, especially in defensive transitions and handling physical duels.

India qualified for the Asian Cup for the 10th time after finishing top of their qualification group ahead of Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Chinese Taipei. That campaign showed maturity. The finals will demand more.

The first test in Saudi Arabia? Australia.

Between now and then, Myanmar is the next checkpoint for now.

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