Ghaziabad City FC announce squad for I-League 3 2026-27 season
Ghaziabad City FC Creates History, Becomes First Club from Uttar Pradesh to Qualify for I-League 3 Twice on Merit
Ghaziabad City Football Club (GCFC) is gearing up for the AIFF I-League 3 2026–27, scheduled to begin on October 22 in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. The club will represent Uttar Pradesh in the national competition for the second time, having secured qualification on merit through its performance on the field.
Established in 2021 by Amit Rawat and Hemant Panwar, Ghaziabad City FC has steadily worked towards building a competitive football structure in the region.
According to the club, GCFC has achieved the distinction of becoming the first club from Uttar Pradesh to qualify for I-League 3 twice on merit, marking a significant milestone for football in Ghaziabad and the state.
The club will compete in Group B against teams from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand, with the objective of delivering a strong campaign and advancing towards I-League 2.
From Ghaziabad to the National Stage
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Since its establishment, GCFC has focused on competitive football, player development and creating opportunities for talented footballers. In association with Village Soccer Academy (VSA), the club is working towards strengthening the football ecosystem and providing players with a pathway to higher levels of the sport.
The club’s journey to its second I-League 3 appearance reflects its commitment to sustained performance and competitive excellence. Its participation also brings national-level exposure to Ghaziabad’s football community and highlights the growing potential of football in Uttar Pradesh.
GCFC’s long-term vision is to qualify for I-League 2 and establish itself as a stronger force in Indian football.
GCFC Squad for I-League 3 2026–27
Goalkeepers
- Deveneder
- Saksham
Defenders
- Abhishek Rawat
- Aditya Tomar
- Sumit
- Satyam Vivek
- Siddharth Rawat
- Shivam
- Arya Yadav
Midfielders
- Pankaj Negi (Captain)
- Pawan Joshi (Vice Captain)
- Ashutosh Thapliyal
- Priyanshu Khatri
- Rudraksh
- Raghav
- Manav
Forwards
- Ankit
- Tufel
- Ishan Rozario
- Praham Singh
- Aniket Rawat
- Prasanna
- Sarvagya
- Ebrahim Ali Khan
- Utkarsh Kaushik
Captain Pankaj Negi will lead the squad, which features players across all areas of the pitch as GCFC prepares to compete against the other Group B teams.
Coaching and Support Staff
The team’s campaign will be overseen by the following coaching and support personnel:
- Head Coach: Amit Rawat
- Assistant Coach: Abhijeet Tiwari
- Team Manager: Hemant Panwar
- Team Physio: Ashish (Sandeep)
- Media Manager: Abhishek Prasad
The staff will be responsible for tactical preparation, player fitness and welfare, team coordination and media communication throughout the tournament.
GCFC’s Group B Match Schedule
All four matches are scheduled to take place in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand.
| Date | Opponent | Representing | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 October 2026 | Sher-e Punjab | Punjab | 4:00 PM |
| 24 October 2026 | Techtro Swadesh FC | Himachal Pradesh | 9:00 AM |
| 26 October 2026 | Garhwal Heroes FC | Delhi | 9:00 AM |
| 28 October 2026 | Corbett FC | Uttarakhand | 4:00 PM |
The fixtures will provide GCFC with an opportunity to test itself against teams from different footballing regions and build momentum during the group stage.
Aiming Higher for Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh
For GCFC, the tournament is an opportunity to carry the name of Ghaziabad and Uttar Pradesh onto the national football stage. Having qualified for I-League 3 for the second time on merit, the club is determined to make the most of its opportunity and take another step towards its ambition of reaching I-League 2.
The club’s journey represents the efforts of its players, coaches, management and supporters, who continue to contribute to the development of competitive football in the region.
As the team prepares for its opening match on October 22, GCFC will look to combine discipline, teamwork and determination to make a strong impression in Rudrapur.
About Ghaziabad City FC
Established in 2021, Ghaziabad City Football Club is a football club based in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The club focuses on competitive football, player development and creating opportunities for footballers to progress to higher levels of the game.
Through its participation in I-League 3 and its association with Village Soccer Academy, GCFC aims to contribute to the growth of football in Ghaziabad and across Uttar Pradesh.
When will Ghaziabad City FC begin their I-League 3 2026-27 campaign?
Ghaziabad City FC will begin their I-League 3 2026-27 campaign on October 22, 2026, against Sher-e Punjab in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM.
Which teams will Ghaziabad City FC face in the I-League 3 group stage?
Ghaziabad City FC will compete against Sher-e Punjab, Techtro Swadesh FC, Garhwal Heroes FC and Corbett FC in Group B. All four matches are scheduled to take place in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand.
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