ISL clubs’ contribution to Unity Cup 2026 probable squad revealed: A club-wise breakdown

India’s first game in the Unity Cup 2026 will be against Jamaica.

As the Indian Super League (ISL) season approaches its climax with an exciting final two weeks set to decide the champions, the Indian National Team under head coach Khalid Jamil are gearing up for the first assignment of what promises to be a busy summer.

The Blue Tigers are preparing for the 2026 Unity Cup in the United Kingdom, where they will face strong opposition in the form of Jamaica, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

With the national camp set to begin once players complete their ISL commitments, Khalid Jamil has announced a strong 28-member probable squad for the tournament. The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and a few fresh faces who have impressed during the ongoing ISL season.

Here are the probables for the Indian football team ahead of the highly anticipated Unity Cup 👀🔥The Blue Tigers will begin their campaign against Jamaica on May 27 !!📅 May 27: 🇯🇲 Jamaica vs India 🇮🇳📅 May 30: 🇮🇳 India vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 / Zimbabwe 🇿🇼🏟️ The Valley… pic.twitter.com/GP47El8R5E

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 14, 2026

Let’s take a look at the club-wise breakdown of the probable squad for the Unity Cup.

Mohun Bagan – 8 players

As expected, Mohun Bagan Super Giant once again lead the way in terms of representation in the national team. Eight Mariners have been included in the probable squad, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat receiving a surprise call-up despite not featuring in the ISL this season.

Anirudh Thapa returns to the national team setup after missing the previous squad for the Hong Kong clash. However, players like Subhasish Bose and Mehtab Singh, despite strong performances this season, have missed out.

Bengaluru FC – 6 players

Bengaluru FC have six players in the probable squad, including the most talked-about Indian footballers at the moment, Ryan Williams. Despite injury concerns, both Nikhil Poojary and Ashique Kuruniyan have been included, making their fitness a key point to keep an eye on ahead of the tournament.

Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu continue to retain their places in the national setup and are expected to play crucial roles against attack-heavy sides like Jamaica.

East Bengal FC – 3 players

East Bengal FC once again see the trio of Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh and Edmund Lalrindika called up to the national camp. Despite recent injury concerns, Anwar has regained fitness and is expected to play a vital role alongside Sandesh Jhingan in defence.

Jeakson could prove important in the absence of Danish Farooq, while Edmund’s pace and versatility in attack adds another dimension to the Blue Tigers in the attack.

Mumbai City FC – 3 players

While Lallianzuala Chhangte and Akash Mishra were expected inclusions, Khalid Jamil has also handed a surprise call-up to Noufal PN. The young winger has been in impressive scoring form this ISL season and has clearly caught the attention of the head coach.

Although Chhangte’s recent form has raised concerns, his quality and attacking threat remain unquestionable.

Punjab FC – 3 players

Punjab FC, a club known for promoting young talent, have three players named in the probable squad. While Bijoy retains his place in the setup, Pramveer has earned promotion from the U-23 side. Young midfielder Ricky Shabong has also received his maiden senior national team call-up following his impressive performances this ISL season.

FC Goa – 2 players

FC Goa had a significant national team presence under former head coach Manolo Márquez, but their numbers have reduced considerably in recent camps. Only two Gaurs feature in the 28-member probable squad for the Unity Cup.

While Sandesh Jhingan remains one of the first names on the team sheet, Hrithik Tiwari has also been selected as one of the four goalkeepers in the squad. Hrithik, however, is expected to be axed from the final squad if other three goalkeepers are fit.

Chennaiyin FC – 1 player

Chennaiyin FC, one of ISL’s lowest-scoring sides this season, have just one representative in the squad. Farukh Choudhary retains his place despite scoring only once this campaign, with his versatility and work rate likely playing a key role in his inclusion.

Jamshedpur FC – 1 player

While Albino Gomes has retained his place in the national setup, the omission of Mohammad Sanan has surprised many fans. The winger has enjoyed good form in recent weeks in the ISL, scoring three goals recently. However, Khalid Jamil, who knows the player well, still feels there are things must Sanan must still work on.

Odisha FC – 1 player

This ISL season, Rahim Ali has been one of the few Indian strikers consistently deployed in his natural position. With his club lacking foreign strikers, Rahim has featured regularly as a centre-forward and has scored three goals this season.

However, after missing Odisha’s recent matchday squad, his fitness remains a concern ahead of the camp.

Kerala Blasters FC – Nil

Despite impressive performances from players like Ebindas and Vibin this ISL season, no Kerala Blasters FC player has earned a senior national team call-up. Both are expected to continue their development at the U-23 level before potentially breaking into the senior setup.

Danish Farooq, who was part of the previous squad, misses out due to injury concerns.

SC Delhi – Nil

Although players such as Len Gogou, Joseph Sunny and Mohammed Aimen have impressed for SC Delhi this season, Khalid Jamil has opted for experience, preferring established internationals like Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh and Farukh Choudhary.

NorthEast United FC – Nil

No players from NorthEast United FC have been selected, continuing a trend from the previous national camp. Players such as Jithin MS, Macarton Nickson and Parthib Gogoi, all of whom have been involved with the national setup previously, have not done enough this season to justify a recall, at least in the eyes of Khalid Jamil.

Inter Kashi FC – Nil

While Inter Kashi have not had many standout Indian performers pushing for a national team call-up, players like Narender Gahlot and Tomba Singh have enjoyed strong campaigns. Nevertheless, neither player has found a place in the probable squad and will need to continue performing consistently at club level.

Mohammedan SC – Nil

With Mohammedan SC enduring a difficult and complex 2025/26 ISL season, no players from Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s side have been included by Khalid Jamil. However, youngsters like Adison Singh and Lalthankima will be hopeful of earning opportunities with the U-23 national setup.

India’s preliminary squad for Unity Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith, Hrithik Tiwari, Albino Gomes

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong

Forwards: Ryan Williams, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary

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