India U-17 set to face Thailand U-17 in International friendly

India gears up for AFC U-17 Asian Cup

The India U17 national football team gears up for the final preparations for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup when they face off against Thailand U17 in a friendly match on Wednesday, 25 March (2026).

This will be one of the three scheduled friendlies for the Blue Colts before the major continental tournament, as Bibiano Fernandes looks to motivate them to take the fight to the Thailand U17 side to build momentum for tougher matches ahead.

The Stakes

Thailand U17

Thailand U-17, of course, has also qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup and they are determined to test their quality against competitive opponents before the India clash.

Thailand U-17 won five of their 10 matches in 2025, which included three AFC U-17 Asian Cup group games to qualify for the tournament.

German coach Marco Gockel will look to raise their momentum levels for this clash against India U-17 and also push them to be at their energetic best to take the fight to India.

A commanding win for Thailand U-17 will give them a huge boost of confidence ahead of the major tournament, but losing at home to India can be particularly demotivating, which Gockel wouldn’t want to plague his side.

India U-17

The India U-17 football team showcased a lot of grit under Bibiano Fernandes to qualify for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, but they’ll have to raise their performance levels to be able to compete with the strongest in the tournament.

Fernandes will be aiming to test the resolve of his young players by getting them to try and match the tempo of the Thailand U-17 players and go with a positive, attack-minded approach in their next friendly games.

If India are able to win this upcoming friendly match, it’ll be vindication for Bibiano and also help him identify his best assets for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. But a big loss would cause doubts to creep in, which the gaffer doesn’t want at this point of the season.

Team News

Marco Gockel will aim to use his strongest players for this upcoming friendly match, as he has a relatively fit enough bunch at his disposal.

Bibiano Fernandes is not dealing with any notable player injuries, as he’s selected his tried-and-test players for the upcoming friendlies.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 3

Thailand U-17 wins – 3

India U-17 wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Thailand U-17 (4-2-3-1)

Thanapon Thapjaroenphong (GK), Kanaroot Kanphai, Pongkun Baochaiyo, Paphontee Sertsri, Thanphisit Peanksikum, Kittawat Nararit, Phasutha Manmoh, Phonpthithak Rungreuang, Pitchaya Wuttichai, Ppakorn Sutthiphapra, Pichaya Chaiwarangkun

India U-17 (4-2-3-1)

Rajrup Sarkar (GK), Korou Meitei, Lawmsangzuala, Shubham Poonia, Md Aimaan Bin, Denny Singh, Diamond Singh, Dallalmoun Gangte, Heerangamba Seram, Washington Singh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam

Players to Watchout

Pichaya Chaiwarangkun (Thailand U-17)

Pichaya Chaiwarangkum was the star of the show for Thailand U-17 in helping them win qualification for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The BG Pathum Utd forward has already made a glowing reputation for himself in the Thailand first division, as he scored three goals and provided an assist for Thailand U-17 in their Asian Cup qualification.

Chaiwarangkum is a versatile and highly proactive forward, who loves to trouble opponent players with his change of pace and clever movement in the final third.

He will look to trouble the Indian defenders with his runs into the danger zones, and will need to keep finishing off chances efficiently to enhance his performance before the major tournament.

Dallalmoun Gangte (India U-17)

Dallalmoun Gangte has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders as the skipper of the India U17 team, but he has performed at a high level for the Blue Colts so far.

Gangte was particularly impressive in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, scoring four goals in as many matches for India – including a stunning hat-trick against Chinese Taipei U-17 and a famous goal in their 2-1 win over Iran U-17.

Gangte has shown himself capable of not only dictating player and helping creating chances, but expertly getting at the end of those opportunities and finish them off ruthlessly – which he must do against Thailand U17 to inspire India to a big win.

Did you know?

• India finished above Thailand in the 2018 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, reaching the quarterfinals in that tournament!
• Thailand have won the U-17 AFC Asian Cup once in their history, which came all the way back in 1998.
• Dallalmoun Gangte is the player with most goals in the current India U17 squad, with nine goals in 14 appearances.

Broadcast Details

The match between Thailand U-17 and India U-17 will take place on Wednesday, 25 March (2026) at the Phra Ramesuan Stadium, Thailand.

The match will be played behind closed doors and there will be no telecast for it.

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