India Football Team Player List : AFC Asian Cup Qualification Journey to 2027

What Is the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification?

The AFC Asian Cup is Asia’s premier football tournament, held every four years, and organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The 2027 edition will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, featuring 24 national teams battling for continental glory. While 18 teams have already qualified through the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the remaining six spots are up for grabs in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

India, ranked 126th in the FIFA World Rankings as of March 2025, finds itself in Group C alongside Hong Kong China, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Only the group winners will advance, making this a do-or-die campaign for the Blue Tigers. With football legend Sunil Chhetri back from retirement to bolster the squad, excitement is at an all-time high. Let’s take a closer look at the players tasked with carrying India’s hopes.

India Football Team Player List for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently announced a 26-member squad for the qualifiers, blending experience with emerging talent. Head coach Manolo Marquez has emphasized the importance of form and goal-scoring ability, especially with Chhetri’s return. Below is the confirmed India football team player list for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers as of March 2025, based on the latest updates from the AIFF:

Goalkeepers

1. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu - The first-choice goalkeeper and a veteran presence, Gurpreet is known for his commanding presence and crucial saves.
2. Amrinder Singh - A reliable backup with extensive experience in the Indian Super League (ISL).
3. Vishal Kaith - An emerging talent who has impressed with his reflexes and distribution.

Defenders

4. Sandesh Jhingan - The defensive rock and a leader on the pitch, Jhingan’s physicality and aerial ability are key assets.
5. Subhasish Bose - A versatile left-back who has been in fine form in the ISL.
6. Rahul Bheke - A dependable centre-back with a knack for stepping up in big games.
7. Pritam Kotal - Offers flexibility across the backline with his experience.
8. Akash Mishra - A dynamic left-back known for his overlapping runs.
9. Nikhil Poojary - A right-back with pace and defensive solidity.
10. Mehtab Singh - A rising star in central defense with strong tackling skills.
11. Lalchungnunga - A young defender with potential, adding depth to the squad.

Midfielders

12. Anirudh Thapa - A creative midfielder with excellent vision and passing range.
13. Sahal Abdul Samad - The “Indian Iniesta,” known for his dribbling and flair.
14. Brandon Fernandes - A playmaker with a knack for set-pieces and long-range shots.
15. Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) - A box-to-box midfielder with energy and tenacity.
16. Suresh Singh Wangjam - A defensive midfielder who provides stability in the middle.
17. Deepak Tangri - A tough-tackling midfielder with growing influence.
18. Naorem Mahesh Singh - A versatile winger with pace and trickery.
19. Udanta Singh - A speedy winger who can stretch defenses.

Forwards

20. Sunil Chhetri - The talismanic captain and India’s all-time leading scorer, back to lead the charge.
21. Manvir Singh - A powerful striker who scored a crucial goal against Kuwait in World Cup qualifiers.
22. Liston Colaco - A fast and skillful forward with an eye for goal.
23. Irfan Yadwad - An emerging striker making waves in the ISL.
24. Vikram Partap Singh - A young forward with potential to shine on the big stage.
25. Rahim Ali - A hardworking striker who links up play effectively.
26. Brison Fernandes - A versatile attacker rounding out the squad.

This squad reflects Marquez’s strategy of balancing seasoned players like Chhetri, Jhingan, and Gurpreet with young talents like Irfan Yadwad and Lalchungnunga. The inclusion of Chhetri, who has scored 12 goals in the 2024-25 ISL season, underscores the team’s need for a proven goal-scorer.

Key Players to Watch in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Sunil Chhetri: The Legend Returns

At 40, Sunil Chhetri’s return from international retirement is a massive boost for India. With 94 goals in 150 appearances, he remains the country’s most prolific scorer. His experience in high-stakes matches, including past AFC Asian Cup campaigns, will be invaluable as India faces tough competition.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The Wall in Goal

Gurpreet’s performances between the sticks have often kept India in games. His ability to make crucial saves and organize the defense will be critical against teams like Hong Kong China, who have improved under coach Ashley Westwood.

Sandesh Jhingan: Defensive Leader

Jhingan’s leadership and physical presence make him the backbone of India’s defense. His partnership with younger defenders like Mehtab Singh could determine how well India withstands pressure.

Sahal Abdul Samad: The Creative Spark

Sahal’s dribbling and ability to unlock defenses could be the difference-maker in tight matches. His form in the ISL will translate to the international stage if given freedom in midfield.

India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification Schedule

India’s Group C fixtures in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers are as follows:

• March 25, 2025: India vs. Bangladesh (Home)
• June 2025: Singapore vs. India (Away)
• September 2025: India vs. Hong Kong China (Home)
• October 2025: Bangladesh vs. India (Away)
• November 2025: India vs. Singapore (Home)
• March 2026: Hong Kong China vs. India (Away)

The Blue Tigers kick off their campaign at home against Bangladesh, a team they’ve historically dominated. With a favorable draw compared to other groups, India is considered the Pot 1 team and favorites to top Group C, but Marquez has cautioned against complacency, noting Hong Kong’s recent improvements.

India’s Recent Form and Qualification Hopes

India’s journey to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers comes after a mixed bag in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Finishing third in their group behind Qatar and Kuwait, they missed out on direct qualification for both the World Cup and the Asian Cup. However, their performances showed resilience, including a 1-0 win over Kuwait away from home—a rare feat in World Cup qualifying history.

The return of Chhetri, combined with Marquez’s tactical acumen, has reignited hope. India has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup five times previously (1964, 1984, 2011, 2019, and 2023), with their best finish being runners-up in 1964. The 2023 campaign ended without a point or goal, a disappointment they’re determined to rectify.

Challenges Ahead for the Blue Tigers

While India has a strong squad on paper, challenges remain:

• Goal-Scoring Consistency: Apart from Chhetri, India has struggled to find a reliable finisher. Players like Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco will need to step up.
• Away Performances: Matches in Singapore and Hong Kong will test India’s ability to perform under pressure on foreign soil.
• Competition: Hong Kong China, with naturalized players and an experienced coach, poses the biggest threat in Group C.

Why the AFC Asian Cup Matters for India

Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 would mark India’s sixth appearance and reinforce their status as an emerging force in Asian football. Often dubbed the “sleeping giant” due to their massive population and untapped potential, consistent performances at this level could elevate the sport’s popularity domestically and attract more investment.

For fans, it’s a chance to see icons like Chhetri in action one last time while witnessing the rise of the next generation. A successful campaign could also set the tone for future World Cup qualification attempts.

How to Follow India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualification Journey

Fans can catch live updates and match broadcasts through the AIFF’s official channels, Star Sports (India’s football broadcaster), and streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar. Social media platforms like X will also provide real-time insights, with the Indian Football Team’s official handle (@IndianFootball) being a go-to source.

Final Thoughts on India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualification

The AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers represent a golden opportunity for the Indian football team to showcase their progress. With a talented squad led by Sunil Chhetri and guided by Manolo Marquez, the Blue Tigers have the tools to secure qualification. The player list reflects a blend of experience and youth, poised to take on Group C challenges.

As the qualifiers unfold, all eyes will be on India’s performance, starting with their opener against Bangladesh on March 25, 2025. Will this be the campaign that awakens the sleeping giant of Asian football? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on India’s AFC Asian Cup qualification journey!