How can Indian football team line up for their international friendly against Panama?

India will play Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday.

The Indian football team will kickstart the September-October international window with the game against Panama on Friday. Ryan Williams will be spearheading the attack for the Blue Tigers at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, where he is already a fan favourite representing Bengaluru FC. 

Panama, ranked 44th in the FIFA rankings, were one of the 48-teams that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Los Canaleros had a disappointing campaign in the global stage as they lost their group games to Ghana, Croatia, and England, finishing at the bottom of their group. 

India will have their task cut out against Panama’s sturdy defence. However, the Blue Tigers will be hoping for a strong start as they are set to face even stronger opponents in Brazil and Uruguay in the coming days.

Talking about Friday’s game, here is how India can line-up against Panama:

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has become the first-choice goalkeeper for the Indian football team once again under Khalid Jamil.

The shot-stopper started in the Unity Cup and the friendlies against Tajikistan in May/June and is expected to continue in goal against Panama. 

LB – Akash Mishra (Mumbai City FC)

The 24-year-old started all 13 Indian Super League games for Mumbai City last season, claiming 2 assists and helping his side keep seven clean sheets.

Akash Mishra has also cemented his position in the Indian XI under Khalid Jamil and will be keen to continue his good form.   

CB – Anwar Ali (East Bengal)

Sandesh Jhingan was not included by Khalid Jamil in the Indian squad for the upcoming friendlies in what was a surprise to many. Owing to this, Anwar Ali‘s role would now be much bigger as the player would have to step up and marshal India’s backline. 

The 26-year-old has been good defensively over the last few seasons and to add to that, he has also popped up every now and then to score goals for East Bengal.

India will surely be hoping that Anwar is at his best in the upcoming games.

CB – Bijoy Varghese (Punjab FC)

The 26-year-old made his international debut earlier this year in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong.

Bijoy Varghese featured in both the friendlies against Tajikistan in June and will likely replace Sandesh Jhingan in defence. The Punjab FC player made 12 ISL starts last season, helping his side with 120 defensive contributions. 

RB – Abhishek Singh Tekcham (Mohun Bagan SG) 

Abhishek Singh Tekcham has been in-and-out of the Indian squad since making his debut in 2025, mostly owing to injuries.

He has four international appearances in the Indian blue and he has also become a starter in the Mohun Bagan starting XI. The 21-year-old has a chance to make the right-back position his own with strong performances in the upcoming games. 

LM – Ashique Kuruniyan (Bengaluru FC)

Ashique returned to Bengaluru FC ahead of the 2025-26 season and was one of the standout players for his club with 3 goals in 10 league games.

The 29-year-old is also a regular in the Indian team, having made 42 appearances. The upcoming games will be vital for Ashique, who would be keen to show why he deserves to continue being called up to the national team. 

CM – Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan SG) 

Aged 28, Anirudh Thapa is the most experienced midfielder in Khalid Jamil’s Indian squad for the upcoming friendlies. The Mohun Bagan player has played 59 international games; however, his last appearance came in September 2024 against Mauritius. 

Thapa wasn’t selected in the national team over the last two years owing to injuries and ordinary form and the midfielder will be hoping to justify his inclusion against Panama. 

CM – Lalengmawia Ralte (Mohun Bagan SG)

Apuia is already a wise head in the Indian midfield at the young age of 25! The Mohun Bagan player has grown into a dependable player for both his club and country as he matures into his footballing prime. 

Aside from his defensive contributions, Khalid Jamil would be hoping that Apuia starts contributing more in attack with some defence splitting passes against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay.  

RM – Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City FC) 

Vikram Partap Singh opened his international goal tally in the 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in June. The right-midfielder/winger has made 14 appearances for India and his form in the upcoming games will be crucial as he has been selected over the experienced Lallianzuala Chhangte in the national squad. 

In club football, Vikram has 20 goals and 7 assists in 133 games for Mumbai City, but he has the prowess to contribute much more, something that Khalid Jamil would be banking on.  

CF – Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan SG) 

With 49 appearances in the Indian jersey, Manvir Singh is the most experienced forward in this national team squad. 

Khalid Jamil seems eager to get the next generation of footballers into the Indian team and hence the games against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay might become crucial for Manvir Singh and his future with the Indian football team. 

CF – Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC) 

The loudest cheer of the night would surely be reserved for Ryan Williams, who will be playing for the first time in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian kit. The Bengaluru FC player has become a fan favourite in the city since making his debut for the club in 2023. 

Ryan Williams has 17 goals and 6 assists in 59 games for BFC, and the 32-year-old also opened his account for India in the 2-1 win against Hong Kong in March. With the legend of Sunil Chhetri now behind us, Ryan Williams will be tasked to spearhead the Indian attack for the next few years. 

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