India U-23 eye strong start against Bhutan U-23 in Tri-Nation friendly 2026

India U-23 will play their first game of 2026 against Bhutan U-23.

The Indian U-23 football team will compete in a Tri-Nation International friendly Tournament against Bhutan and Tajikistan during the March 2026 International window. Naushad Moosa’s squad will try to build on their strong performance from last year with games against Bhutan and Tajikistan.

The competition began on March 25th, with Tajikistan and Bhutan facing off in the first match. The Blue Tigers, on the other hand, will begin their campaign against Bhutan U-23 on March 28, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh.

It’s time for the Indian U-23 players to take the field and play a competitive match after spending the first part of the ISL season training and sitting on the bench at various venues.

As many as seven players have played 0 minutes in the ISL, demonstrating the concern Naushad Moosa raised a few months ago.

The Stakes

India U-23

Despite the difficulties in Indian football over the previous 12-18 months, one positive aspect is the amount of gametime the Indian U-23 team has received over the last year or so. And Naushad Moosa appeared to be working extremely hard with these youngsters, getting the best of them in every window.

Not only the results, but the positive football produced by the Indian U-23 side during the last three international windows has been among the most effective any Indian team has played across age groups. They narrowly missed out on the AFC U-23 Asian Cup purely because of goal difference.

Their last game was a 4-0 loss to Thailand where Naushad Moosa deployed a whole bunch of new faces to test them at the international level.

The only issue for the head coach coming into the tournament would be the lack of game-time for these players over the past four months.

The key goal for Naushad Moosa versus Bhutan has to be to have these players match fit before the last encounter against Tajikistan U-23.

Bhutan U-23

Bhutan, like India, failed to qualify for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup following crushing defeats to Jordan and Turkmenistan, although winning their last game against Chinese Taipei. Bhutan’s players have already played 90 minutes in the opener against Tajikistan U-23; thus, they are well-prepared for the India match.

The Dragon Boys lost the game with a deceiving score of 1-0, as Tajikistan’s 10-man had several opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. Bhutan also had a few scoring opportunities, but they were unable to convert and salvage a point.

Head coach Chencho Dorji, who has past experience in India working with Sudeva Delhi FC, will treat the Indian clash as an opportunity for his players to experience a tough battle against a superior side.

Team News

With Bhutan coming into the India clash just three days after an intense encounter against Tajikistan, the match fitness of the players would be tested a lot.

Regarding India, there have been no reports of injuries in the camp, and Naushad Moosa is anticipated to have a completely fit team for competition.

Head-to-Head

The sole match between the two sides occurred in the 2004 South Asian Games in Pakistan, when India easily defeated Bhutan 4-1 in light of a brace from a promising teenager named Sunil Chhetri.

Matches Played – 1

India U-23 wins – 1

Bhutan U-23 wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

India U23 (4-2-3-1)

Priyansh Dubey (GK), Harsh Palande, Dippendu Biswas, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thoi Singh.

Bhutan U23 (4-3-3)

Lhocho Nima (GK), Jignam Seltob Dorji, Kinley Penjor, Kinzang Tashi Tobden, Tshultrim Pelzang, Bikash Pradhan, Pema Zangpo (C), Jigme Namgyal, Jetsuen Dorji, Sonam Jugdul, Kinzang Tenzin.

Players to Watchout

Suhail Ahmad Bhat (India U-23)

So far in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL), the Mohun Bagan SG youngster has not played a single minute. However, he would continue to be a crucial player for Naushad Moosa’s team, as he has been in previous international periods.

The recent game against Thailand demonstrated how much the team’s gameplay would suffer without a clinical striker like Suhail.

Furthermore, Bhutan’s defense was sluggish against Tajikistan, allowing several chances that the opposition failed to convert on. If India wants to win this game comfortably by scoring a few goals, Suhail must show up with his scoring boots.

Jetsuen Dorji (Bhutan U-23)

While the Bhutan side were mostly pinged back to defend against Tajikistan, every opportunity they got in the attack either came through or fell to Jetsuen. Starting in an advanced midfield role, the youngster looks to be the main creative outlet for Bhutan.

Jetsuen had a golden opportunity to score when the Tajikistan keeper fumbled the ball inside his box, but he squandered the opportunity by failing to send the ball into an open net.

His deliveries from set pieces were equally threating.

Telecast details

Fans across India will be able to catch all the live action of the India U-23 vs Bhutan U-23 clash on the Sony Sports network, with seamless streaming also available on Sony LIV.

Meanwhile, supporters tuning in from outside India can follow the match live exclusively through Khel Now’s official Facebook page and X (formerly Twitter) handle, ensuring global access to the encounter.

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